He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of the zoologist, Sanford Sterling Munro FRSE (1908–1971)[1] and his wife, Dorthea Irene Spears.
[2] In 1944, the family moved to Bellingham, Washington, and Sterling attended High School here.
After graduating High School he went to Washington, D.C. to attend evening classes at the university, whilst in the day taking on various Capitol Hill jobs, including aiding Congressman Jackson.
Upon discharge, he returned to Washington to join the legislative staff of Senator Henry Jackson.
[4] Munro received a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from George Washington University in 1957.