Yaesef "Joe" Sussman

Joe passed away on April 25, 2015 from pancreatic cancer in Juno Beach, FL. He loved life and was surprised to reach the age of 87. He faced the last months of his life with dignity. As he grew weaker, he taught us how to enjoy each remaining day to its fullest. Joe was born on June 24, 1927 in Rutland, VT to Carrie (Levin) and Lewis K Sussman. After his father's death, Joe moved from Rutland to Burlington, VT at age 14, and shortly thereafter, he met his future wife Sara Cohen at Burlington Junior High School. They were married in Saratoga Springs, NY on June 25,1950 and raised 3 children in Burlington, VT. During High School, Joe was a volunteer civil aircraft spotter and spent some scary nights atop the Ethan Allen Tower on North Avenue. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1945 and enlisted in the US Coast Guard, where he served in the Caribbean. On returning from the Service, Joe first worked at Franks Shoe Store and then started a long association and friendship with the Mazel family, working first at Mazels on North Street and then at Gaynes Shoppers World in South Burlington as General Manager. He loved his job, working with hundreds of employees over the years, and greeting countless customers, always looking dapper. Joe worked 6 days a week but was passionate about skiing in the winter and playing golf in the summer on his time off. He was thrilled by a hole-in-one on the third hole of the Burlington Country Club in 1982. Joe retired to PGA in Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 1986 so he could pursue golf full time. He played until age 85. In 2008, Joe and Sara moved to the Waterford in Juno Beach, FL. Joe loved to travel. He and Sara visited Europe, Asia, and South America. He loved skiing in the Alps and especially enjoyed celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a month in Paris.

Joe had a generous spirit. His generosity was especially appreciated by his children for whom he completely financed all undergraduate and graduate education. Joe was loved by family and friends. He was not afraid to die. What bothered him most about dying was missing all of us. We will miss him right back! Joe is survived by his sister Dorothy Fishman and was predeceased by his sister Sara Fastow and his brother Dr. Ralph Sussman. He leaves his wife of 64 years Sara, his son Lewis Sussman and his wife Margaret, his daughter Betsy Sussman and her husband Larry Bennett, and his son Mark Sussman and his wife Cathy Nguyen. He leaves four grandchildren, Jessica Langer and her husband Joshua Langer, Chuck Sussman, Samuel Bennett, and Mariel Bennett. He leaves three great grand children, Noah Langer, Anna Paige Langer, and Avery Rose Ducharme. The family thanks Hospice, Dr. Barry Miskin, and the Sunflower Team for the outstanding care that enabled Joe to stay in his home until his passing. We also thank Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik of Temple Judea who provided great comfort. We are grateful to Karen Reynolds for her compassionate care. Donations can be made in Joe's memory to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 or the charity of your choice. A funeral service was held on April 27, 2015 at IJ Morris at Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches.