Joseph D. Susi
December 27, 1939 – December 14, 2024
Joseph D. Susi, 84, of Howard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on December 27, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, to Liberatore and Vencenza Susi, proud Italian immigrants. He grew up in Columbus and graduated from Hilliard High School, where he excelled as a football player, earning his varsity letter. His passion for sports remained a central theme throughout his life, bringing him and his family countless cherished memories.
On December 28, 1964, Joe married the love of his life, Wanda Lou Lee, in Lampasas, Texas. Together, they raised two sons, Joseph and Jon, fostering a deep love of sports and family values. Joe and Wanda devoted themselves to supporting their sons’ athletic and academic pursuits during their high school and college years. As grandparents, they continued this tradition, attending their grandsons’ football, basketball, and cross-country events. In recent years, they took pride in cheering for their grandson Demetrius as a coach and following Domonic’s inspiring marathon and ultramarathon achievements. Joe’s enthusiasm for sports extended to family traditions, including the much-loved annual “Susi Cup,” a friendly football-picking competition akin to fantasy football.
After high school, Joe embarked on a 20-year military career, first enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps before transitioning to the U.S. Army. He served with honor, completing two tours in Vietnam and assignments across the globe, including Germany, Hawaii, South Korea, and Michigan, among others. Joe retired in 1980 as a master sergeant, earning numerous medals and commendations for his dedicated service. He often spoke proudly of becoming a “shellback” during his equator-crossing aboard a Navy vessel. Despite his accolades, Joe remained modest, but his unwavering support for servicemembers never faltered, always extending a helping hand to those in uniform.
Following his military retirement, Joe worked for the U.S. Postal Service for many years, primarily at the Ennis Avenue Post Office in Columbus.
In his later years, Joe found joy in spending time with his family and their beloved dogs, fishing at Douglas Lake in northern Michigan, or perfecting his technique with a rubber worm at Jon and Karen’s pond in Howard. He stayed active playing pickleball at Floral Valley Center in Apple Valley, attending exercise classes in Mount Vernon, and volunteering for various civic organizations. Joe and Wanda continued their love of travel, exploring destinations such as Cancun, Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Panama Canal.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Liberatore and Vincenza Susi, and his brothers, Pietro (Pete), Robert, and Arthur.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Wanda; his sons, Joseph D. Susi II of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Jon (Karen) Susi of Howard, Ohio; and his cherished grandsons, Domonic Susi and Demetrius Susi of Columbus, Ohio, as well as many grand puppies, and great grand puppies that he adored.
Joe’s legacy of laughter, loyalty, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lasater Chapel 11337 Upper Gilchrist Rd., Mount Vernon. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Joe’s honor, continuing his lifelong support for those who served.
Joe’s legacy of love, loyalty, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored to serve the family of Joseph D. Susi.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com