Ivan, Ivan, Ivan.....oh boy...I live in Teaneck until i was 2 or 3 and you were our mailman back then! Around that same time, you were a camp counselor, and my brother went to that camp and said you were great. When we moved to Haworth a few years later, my brother had you for a teacher our first year in Haworth. 7 years later, I had you. It's unbelievable how our paths crossed so often.
You were terrific; we (my brother and I) enjoyed our time with you immensely. You could be a little quirky here and there (no one was allowed to say "shut up" in your class - or we'd stay after class lol - but you were so fair, interesting and a great guy and teacher who always took an interest in us. And you were athletic too!
It's funny; I gave Hank Tenenbaum some tennis lessons when he was in his early 80s and he used to mention you all the time. He didn't speak fondly of ALL the teachers from HPS, but you he did, and you guys remained friends until the very end.
You were an icon. RIP!

Ivan was just the kindest, most giving person I  know!  And the “best friend”  anyone could have wished for!

We both taught at the Haworth Public School.  Me, for 33 years, and Ivan for much longer!  You could always count on him to help you out and  give you good advice!  And he never missed wishing you ( and just about every person he knew) a “Happy Birthday”.   He had the most incredible memory!  Everyone loved him and he loved everyone!  His former students came to see him years and years after graduation!  He was the BEST most CARING  TEACHER!  

      On his own time after school, he would give time to his class playing kickball. I wish I could have been there to see that. I can't remember one time I saw Ivan without a smile on his face. He was always supportive since I started at HPS in 2000 and would sincerely ask how things were with my family, truly a caring and generous man.  He could be seen outside school doing oil changes on colleagues cars.  He donated his time and energy helping me collect large boxes with POUNDS of aluminum pop tops for the VFW every year. That money was used to help those in need at Shriner's hospital in PA. My most memorable moment was on my first trip to Frost Valley and I believe his last. I was a nervous wreck and couldn't decide if I wanted to zipline or not. He convinced me by telling me how many times he'd done it, as if it was no big deal and was going to do it again. I said,  "Sure, if Ivan can do it, at this age, then I HAVE to do it!"  I will never forget my love of Frost Valley all because of him!

I knew Mr.Sass for years. He always reminded me to call him Ivan, ... but for some reason it never worked. He was Mr. Suss. Occasionally we would meet for lunch and talk for hours. About everything...cars, mechanics, politics, sports... Mr. Suss you are already greatly missed. Rest In Peace.

Ivan, Haworth School was never the same once you retired and now that you are gone from this earth, we will not be the same either. You cared for your students as though they were your own. You educated them with all your heart. You befriended all of us and treated all with respect. I will miss you. Rest In Peace, dear Ivan. 

I worked with Ivan for many years.  He was a quiet, gentle, kind soul who deeply loved his profession and those students he taught.  He always had a nice word to say about everyone - Ivan didn't believe in negativity.  God bless you, friend.

OBITUARY

Ivan Suss

March 1, 1938 – May 12, 2020

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

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