RICHARD M. SUSSMAN's Obituary
Richard Sussman of Palm Beach, Florida and Lenox, MA died on May 8, 2018 at the tender age of 94. His beloved wife of 54 years, Lois (Pasternak) Sussman, passed away in May, 1999. Richard is survived by his adored children, Steven Sussman and his wife, Ilene, and Ellen Meyers and her husband, David. Richard was the loving grandfather of Jennifer Sussman, Lori Gandy, and Eric Tashlin, and the great-grandfather of Liam and Samantha Gandy and beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Mrs. Barbara Andrews, who was the second great love of his life. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Sol and Sarah Sussman and two brothers, Herb Sheldon and Irving Sussman.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Richard had fond memories of his youth there, and told wonderful stories of those days. At the beginning of WWII, Richard left New York University to enlist in the Army Air Corps, having had his pilot’s license since the age of 16. Throughout the war he served at a variety of bases, working on planes and playing the drums in the base bands. After leaving the service, Richard entered the family textile business, Sussman Yarn Co, and was later the owner of Richard Sussman Yarn Co of New York City until his retirement in 1988.
In his retirement, Richard found his great passion in charitable work. He was the Chairman of the Foundation Board of JFK Hospital in Atlantis, FL and was instrumental in the creation of the Rothman Center there. When the hospital was sold, Richard became a founding member of the Quantum Foundation and served for many years as the chairman of the Quantum Grants Committee. He was proud to be a part of Quantum and found the work to be very rewarding, often regaling friends and loved ones with stories of grants and good works the Foundation was able to do.
In these later years, with his treasured Barbara by his side, Richard enjoyed dancing, cruising, driving the back roads of the Berkshires and time with friends and family.
Richard was a member of Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach, Temple Anshe Amunim of Pittsfield, MA and a lifetime member of Temple Beth Am of Merrick, NY. He often joked that he spent his time writing yahrzeit checks for the synagogues.
Richard will be remembered for his marvelous sense of humor, his charitableness, and his strong love of family.
The funeral will take place at Temple Emanu-El, 190 N County Rd, Palm Beach, FL on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:15AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Quantum House, 987 45th St, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 or the charity of your choice.
The Sussman Family will be receiving friends Friday from 1:30 pm at the Sussman Residence.
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