Roger A. Susin

Roger A. Susin, 71, formerly of Jupiter, Florida, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2024. He was born on February 18, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Roger John and Paula Susin (nee: Marvin).

Roger was the beloved father of Matthew (Jennifer) and Kelly (David), and cherished grandfather of Isabella, Olivia, Matthew John, Laine, and Colette. He was a loving brother to Gail (Glenn) Pakulak, Mark, Jeffrey (Julie), Daniel (Lisa), and Paula (John) Schaaf. Roger was also an uncle to 13 nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

From his early years, Roger excelled in athletics, earning recognition at St. Clement High School and often making headlines in the local papers. He continued his passion for sports at Northern Michigan University on a basketball scholarship, where he met his future wife, Maryanne. After college, Roger and Maryanne began a new chapter in South Florida.

As a devoted father, Roger poured unconditional love into coaching his children in various sports, seamlessly transitioning from his formidable 6’6 presence on the football and baseball fields to his softer, "teddy bear at heart" persona when guiding his daughter in softball, singing, and tennis. Universally loved and respected throughout his coaching years, Roger tirelessly and selflessly worked to provide his children with opportunities and choices he never had, making them the center of his life.

Throughout his 40-year career in Electrical Engineering & Construction as a Project Manager, Roger led numerous high-profile projects, including work for NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Palm Beach Breakers, and Delray Beach's development. One of his proudest moments was his participation and testimony as a lead witness in Metric Constructors Inc. v. NASA (1999), argued before the United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit. Roger’s insights, expertise and intelligence were on full display, contributing to a ruling in favor of his party.

Recently retired, Roger embarked on a cross-country journey, indulging his love for the outdoors with stops at Lake Tahoe, Olympic National Forest, Mt. Rainier National Park, and many more. After his west coast adventure, he settled in the North Lake Tahoe area to be closer to his daughter, Kelly, and son-in-law, David. In his final six months, Roger embraced this new chapter, immersing himself in mountain living, staying active at the gym, visiting family, collaborating on renovation projects with Kelly, and finding peace in the tranquility of his surroundings. In any and every way, he was just getting started. He was deeply loved, and indeed, he will be sorely missed.

Family and friends may gather:

• Saturday, March 2nd, from 9am until the time of his funeral Mass at 10am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families, St Clement site, 25320 Van Dyke, Center Line, Michigan.

• Burial immediately following service at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 25800 West 10 Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan.

• Celebration of Life, following burial, TBA

Memorial donations can be made in Roger's name by visiting SierraClubFoundation.org or by calling 415-977- 5653