Born Bruno Zwerling in Vienna, Austria, in 1922, Sterling and his family fled the Anschluss (Nazi occupation) in 1938 to Czechoslovakia.
Born in Europe and imprisoned in Canada during World War II, Sterling never encountered Will Rogers during the humorist's lifetime.
After relocating to New York City in 1948, Sterling began hearing quotations from Rogers, and was attracted to the way his wit and commentary transcended time and culture.
Over the following three decades, Sterling created and referred to the largest private collection of writings and information by and about Will Rogers in the United States.
Sterling died on March 13, 2008, in New York City, leaving behind what Will Rogers Memorial Director Steve Gragert, speaking at his funeral, described as "a collection of writings that cannot be replaced, one that anyone ... can consult with confidence and pleasure."