John "Jay" Suszynski

John Vincent Suszynski, 74 of Jefferson Hills, PA passed away on January 1, 2025, from complications of lung cancer. Known to all as Jay, he was born on May 14, 1950, and grew up in McKees Rocks. Jay was an educator, a lifelong learner, an adventurer, a writer, a stargazer, a renaissance man. Most of all, he was a committed husband to Karen Ann Suszynski for 50 wondrous years; a supportive brother to Angelo Dennis Suszynski (Lindy); a loving father to Julia Domenica Malecki (Scott); a proud grandpa to Malcolm John Malecki, whom he always said was “the quickest way to a smile”; and uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Jay was preceded in death by his father, John Frank Suszynski; mother, Mamie Ferlita Suszynski; and brother, Frank Angelo Suszynski (Lynette).

Jay grew up in a loving household with Mamie, a larger-than-life, generous woman, and John, her gentle counterpart. His Italian mother’s passions and Ukrainian father’s artistic interests influenced his life and character. After losing John at a young age, Mamie moved the family to Florida, but Jay returned to Pittsburgh to finish high school. He loved his brothers, Frank and Angelo, and would plan many visits over the years to see them and their families.

Jay graduated from Sto-Rox High School in 1968, where he played on the basketball team and was senior class president. After a brief stint at the Merchant Marine Academy, he graduated with a degree in Secondary Education in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1972. There, he met Karen during their shared student teaching assignments, and sparks flew between the two literary scholars. Jay completed his master’s degree from the University of Louisiana while courting Karen long-distance. When their car broke down on a cross-country road trip – one of their many extensive travels together – Jay decided it was the perfect time to propose, and Karen gave an immediate “yes.” They were married at Heinz Chapel on August 10, 1974, and from then on, they were “two for the road.”

Jay’s love as a father was unmatched. Though perhaps intimidating to others, Julia knew her dad was a big teddy bear, offering warm hugs and sage wisdom. He always advised Julia to “follow your bliss,” and her parents’ unwavering support led to training in music, dance, and theatre. In particular, Jay and Julia shared special Saturdays together driving to her music lessons at Duquesne University’s City Music Center, followed by lunch at Lulu’s in Oakland, grocery shopping, and an occasional swing through a museum.

Jay was a proud Pittsburgher who loved sampling the cultural and culinary destinations of the city and showing them off to visitors. As a young adult, he pursued several jobs as a furniture mover, cab driver, and The Résumé Writer downtown, while freelancing for local magazines and newspapers. He eventually built a fulfilling career over more than 20 years teaching English, Humanities, and Film, first at Sto-Rox High School and later at Peters Township High School. When Jay retired from teaching in 2011, he continued his love of learning through Osher classes at Carnegie Mellon University alongside Karen and volunteered on the board of directors for TJ Arts, a nonprofit created by Karen in 2009.

In retirement, Jay and Karen continued traveling the world together, with favorite trips internationally and many journeys to visit family and explore nearly all 50 states. Jay loved dreaming about and researching their next destination and had a remarkable memory for the meals (and sites) he enjoyed along the way. His constant curiosity fostered a love of art, music, literature, theatre, sports, current events, and history, and he was always eager to share the marvels he discovered with others.

Throughout his life, Jay loved to meet new people and made friends easily, developing many deep and lasting friendships. He asked provoking questions and had keen insight into others. He often said, “Everyone has a story to tell, and it’s always interesting.” His stories, which he told with gusto and humor, will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

Arrangements were made by the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home, Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania. Condolences may be sent through the funeral home website www.stephendslater.com.

The family will host a celebration of life later this year. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Jay may be made to TJ Arts, P.O. Box 10013, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 or www.tj-arts.org, to support students studying the arts.