John Suckow Obituary

John Suckow
Dec. 16, 1941 - June 21, 2020
Saratoga
John Suckow passed away on June 21, 2020 surrounded by his family, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 78. John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sally Suckow; two daughters, Carey and Toby Suckow; and two grand-daughters.
The son of Rose and Roland Suckow, John was born and raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He earned a BS in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. John Suckow served in the US Navy from 1964 to 1971, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. As a Navy pilot during the Vietnam war, he flew many combat missions on the USS Bon Homme Richard and became a flight deck officer on the USS Constellation. John was proud to be a member of the Caterpillar Club after ejecting out of an A6. His honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medals, and a Presidential Unit Citation. Two of the planes he flew are now in museums. The USS Hornet has the display cockpit of F-11 141828 which he flew in his training command. The second plane is A4 148314 which resides in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. He flew many combat flights in that plane.
John began his business career working for ADT Alarm Systems. He then had a 30+ year career in the printing business for Califorms, Corporate Express, and Sierra Office Supply & Printing. The past few years, he served as a docent at the USS Hornet CVM 12 and the Moffett Field Historical Society.
John loved life and he lived it to it's fullest. He had an amazing ability to connect with people through his sense of humor and ability to tell stories. John was quick with a joke or historical fact. He was always using his hands whether it was flying an airplane, playing piano, working on his vintage MG, or installing his own hardwood floors. His love of travel took him to far off places such as Nepal, Iceland, Norway, Burma, Antarctica, Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. He had visited all 7 continents.
Family meant everything to him. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grand-father. It is fitting that he passed on Father's Day, a day on which he will always be celebrated.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by Saratoga News Obits on Jul. 5, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Suckow

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3 Entries

Michele

September 11, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Chuck Rader

July 27, 2020

Sally,
I was saddened to hear of John's passing on the 21st of June. John was a incredibly important and valued member of our community CERT organization, and his wisdom, initiative and dedication will be sorely missed.

Judy and Doug Gerhart

July 10, 2020

Doug and I are filled with sadness hearing of John's death. We treasure the memories we made together. We send our love and condolences to his family. He was our dear friend for over 40 years as a neighbor and traveling and hiking companion. John was the ultimate adventurer with an indomitable spirit, a gentle soul with a kind smile and generous nature. He was also an accomplished chef. He loved life and all it encompassed. There was no adventure too rigorous for him. Throughout his life his spirit and his inner strength served him well as he was forced to engage in two horrific battles, the Vietnam War and the war on Cancer. We often asked ourselves how could a man so courageous, so strong and tough as nails, be such a gentle soul and lover of life. Our adventures with John and Sally were aggressive and unusual. We hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, the Milford Track, the Sierras and Canadian Rockies. After our move to Florida, John and Sally visited us several times to explore the South. Our dear friend fought death because he had such an intense desire to live life to the fullest. He was planning yet another worldwide trip as he recovered in the hospital. With great sadness we say goodbye to our friend John.

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