Obituary of Morris Sussman

Morris ?Moe? Sussman, 83, of South Hollywood Avenue, Gloversville, passed away on February 28, 2007 at Extended Care at Nathan Littauer, where he had resided for over three years. Born and raised in Gloversville, he was the son of Benjamin and Ethel Sussman. After graduating from Gloversville High School, Morris enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked. He served for four years in the China-Burma-India CBI War, was promoted to staff sergeant, and survived a plane crash in the Burma jungle. After adjusting to civilian life, he owned and operated a very popular high fashion women?s shoe store on Main Street in Gloversville. As the results of a declining local economy, Sussman Shoes was closed and Moe went to work for George S. May International, as regional manager of upstate New York. The increasing travel requirements of the job caused him to eventually leave the position. Wanting to spend more time with his family, he found a personally satisfying position job with Estee Middle School in Gloversville. As Assistant to the Principal, he was affectionately known by many of the students as ?Mr. Moe?. He very much enjoyed working with junior high school students, and organized Boy Scout Troop 6 at Boulevard School, finding time to take the boys fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter. He was elected president of Estee Middle school PTA, and was a candidate for the Gloversville Board of Education. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership for Achievement at an annual PTA Founders? Day dinner. In addition to serving as a Fulton County Deputy Sheriff for a number of years, he was also an active member of the Gloversville Kiwanis Club and the Gloversville Veterans? of Foreign Wars. Morris was active in local politics, and elected president of the First Ward Republican Club. He was particularly interested in fundraising for special causes and was appointed Chairman of the Fulton County Cancer Drive. ?Moe? was one of the cofounders of the Gloversville Taxpayers Association, an organization that was influential in holding the school board and common council members accountable to the taxpayers of Gloversville. He was also well known for his hosting of a weekly cable access program called ?The Sussman Report?, a call-in television program, which focused on a variety of community issues. In addition to his family, Morris? second love was oil painting and clay sculpture. During his time with Estee Middle School, he volunteered to teach a twice-a-week after- school class in clay sculpture ? an activity that was so popular, there was always a waiting list for students to participate. Another favorite creative outlet of his was his love of music?the piano and guitar. As a talented singer and piano player, he was always the center of attention at parties and family gatherings. Outdoor activities he enjoyed sharing with family and friends included boating, golf, tennis, fishing, and skiing. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Rose, and his beloved sister, Rita Blanchard, of Rexford, his three children Marsha Connell Jerry of Santa Rosa, California; Martin Sussman Jan of Santa Rosa; Joel Sussman Lisa of Niskayuna, New York; grandchildren Reba Connell, Sam Connell, and Simone Sussman; and great grandson, Noah Connell. In addition, he was also survived by several nieces and nephews ? all very special to ?Uncle Morrie?, including Bob Blanchard, of Niverville, his sister?s son, who was like the younger brother he never had. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00pm on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at the Knesseth Israel Synagogue, East Fulton Street, Gloversville with the Rabbi Martin Gordon. Interment will be in Knesseth Israel Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY. Contributions in Moe?s memory may be made to the Extended Care Facility at the Nathan Littauer Hospital or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson?s Foundation or any other organization of your choice.