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BORN
1936
DIED
2009
Alexander Shusta Obituary
Al was born in Norwich, Conn. on March 18, 1936, and lived there until he joined the Army at the age of 18 from 1954 -1976; he served at various duty stations to include France, Alaska and Vietnam. Al was awarded several Army commendations/citations to include the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. As a Master Sergeant, he retired after 22 years at his final duty station in White Sands Missile Range, N.M., then moved to Oxnard where he remained for the rest of his life.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Janet Shusta; his daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Erik Pedersen, Cathy and Steve Hall; his six grandchildren, Michelle Tresek-Harmon, Christopher Shusta, Victoria Tresek, Naithen Pedersen, Brittan Pedersen and Jacqualyn Pedersen; his brother and sister-in-law, Bronislaw and MaryAnn Shusta; and five nieces and nephews and their families. Mr. Shusta was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert. I will get bit if I forget to mention his little dog and wonderful companion, "Tuffy."
Al enjoyed cooking and loved to feed everyone. He was a fisherman at heart; he loved to fish and crab, you could find him on the pier or beach in any spare time he had. He will always be remembered for his kind smile and sense of humor and generosity. He will truly be missed by his family and those whose lives he touched.
A special thank you to Dr. Hostetler and staff for their thoughtful and respectful care to our father throughout the years.
We'll try not to be too sad, though we'll miss you so very much. Rest peacefully with the angels and watch over us. Until we meet again, Dad, we love you and know you are now at peace...
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Shusta
Sponsored by Janet Shusta.
Tony George Petros
July 28, 2025
Just a final farewell to Alex, whom I grew up in, in Norwich. We were both born in March of 1936 and we lived a few houses from him. He lived on High Street and I lived on Thames St.
Love you Always~ Cathy, Michelle, and Victoria
Catherine Hall
October 15, 2010
Dear Dad, It's hard to believe the last time we said goodbye was a year ago yesterday. There are many things that were uniquely yours that I miss, your knack for knowing what was genuine and what was not real in people and life in general. Your direct and to the point insight into the nonsence and common sense in any given situation and the ability and the courage to find the humor in. You took on a major job being my Dad as it was not easy to "guide a horse to water and make it drink". You gave me the ability to figure out my direction, not to be afraid of anyone or anything, when to speak up and when it was best to keep quiet. You taught me when things get tough, just get stronger and get through it. Your best lesson was during your illness you fought so hard to keep going. There has been a very large empty part of our lives without you. You are loved and missed by Michelle Victoria and you will always be loved and so dearly missed always.
Larry Shusta
November 10, 2009
To Janet, Cathy, Sandy and family,
I have found it so touching to read this guest book and to learn even more of my Uncle Al. I was especially touched reading of his grandchildren and seeing the amazing similarities of my father (Bronislaw - Butch) and his relation to his grandchildren.
My father has been noticably different since the passing of his brother. I do know, my dad is truly missing his phone calls and conversations.
I know my family feels very pleased there was a reconnection with Uncle Al before his passing. We are further pleased to have learned more about his dear family.
May Uncle Al rest in peace.
Cathy Kehlenbach
October 30, 2009
To Janet, Cathy, Sandy and family,
There is nothing that can replace family. I am so pleased that Uncle Al and my Dad (Butch) were able to share in that family bond once more before Uncle Al's passing.
Memories live on in our heart and soul. I know my Dad will cherish his conversations with Uncle Al forever.
May God bless you and your family in this time sorrow.
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Bronislaw Shusta
October 28, 2009
To Janet, Cathy, Sandy, and family...
No words can express the joy and pleasure we have gotten from being able to talk to Al. I have truly enjoyed getting to know my brother again.
We will always treasure the conversations, and wonderful memories we have of him. We loved him very much and we know he is now in a good place.
Thank you for letting my son (Michael) and me share the last moments with my brother Al. We truly appreciated your kindness and hospitality.
May God bless him.
His brother Butch, and sister-in-law Mary Anne Shusta
Richard Lev
October 22, 2009
Friend from dialysis, in Camarillo, where my wife Esther goes. My condolences to the family. - Richard Lev
Michelle Harmon-Tresek
October 21, 2009
I will miss grandpa. He used to always watch over me and make sure the boogeyman wouldn't get too close. There were some close calls! I remember when he was working at the O Club and he would bring food for us to eat while we were at the beach. I also took him seriously when he would tell me to call him Incle Al when we were in public. The list goes on and grandpa will always be near me and give me a band aid if I fall. I love you Grandpa!
Chris Shusta
October 20, 2009
I'm going to miss you Grandpa Shusta aka "Uncle Al". Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I thought of you as a father more than a grandfather. Always being there for me and taking care of me. I love you Grandpa Shusta!
Shawn Delanater
October 20, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Evangelina Navarro
October 19, 2009
Mrs. Shusta, Sandy, Chris, Erik and family, our deepest condolences to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. We know that you will miss your Papa so much, may the many happy memories you had together comfort you. We love you and we're here for you. God Bless you, Evan, Arthur, and Jeremiah Navarro
October 19, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child.
You will always be with all of us.
I love you Dad.
October 19, 2009
Chris, Sandy, Erik, Janet and family,
Sending our sincerest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If there is anything at all that we can do for you, please let us know. You have been so good to our family and we are here for you.
Sincerely,
Andre Good and
Andy, Brenda, Christopher Poland
Walter W. Card
October 19, 2009
To the Shusta family my sincerest condolences. Al was truly a gentle man, and a gentleman. I will miss him and keep the memory of our long conversations in a special place in my heart.
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