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Michael Suchenski Obituary
October 9, 1934 - November 20, 2024
Dr. Michael Nicholas Suchenski, age 90, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024 in Bala Cynwyd, PA, surrounded by his family.
Born in Bridgeport, CT, on October 9, 1934, he was the second of the two sons of Stanley and Olga (Coba) Suchenski. A talented and dedicated student, Michael pursued a pharmacy degree at the University of Connecticut and worked as a pharmacist, briefly, before completing his medical degree at St. Louis University Medical School in St. Louis, MO, followed by a Pediatrics residency at St. Christopher's Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Suchenski served in the United States Navy from 1965-67 as an officer and naval base pediatrician in Newport, RI. He then went into private practice in Stamford, CT, and eventually founded Darien Pediatrics in Darien, CT, serving as Chief of Pediatrics at St. Joseph's Hospital and at Stamford Hospital. Dr. Suchenski practiced as a child- and adolescent-centered physician for over 50 years.
Michael was a devoted family man, the proud father of six and grandfather of ten grandchildren. He was cherished by his wife, Valerie, through 40 years of marriage until her death in 2001. He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his surviving family: daughter Karen and her husband Joshua Lane, their children Maddie, Nate, and Claire; daughter Kathleen and her husband Esteban Loustaunau and their children Lucinda and Diego; daughter Mary and her husband Wick Kraemer and their sons Cam, Nicholas and Jak; daughter Michelle; son Michael Jr. and his wife Bal Bhangra and their son Dylan; daughter Julie; brother-in-law Robert Gabler and his wife Jean, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Michael, with his wife Valerie, served and supported many organizations in Stamford, especially Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and School and Stamford Catholic High School. Michael and Valerie delighted in visiting with their children and grandchildren-at home and abroad-and exploring beaches, especially in Old Saybrook, CT. Together, they hosted holidays and lingered over strong cups of coffee and lively conversations. Michael proudly maintained his backyard pool, grilled regularly, and enjoyed venturing out in the Sound with his boat, most often accompanied by his son.
"Dr. Mike" was dearly loved by his family, his friends, his many generations of patients, his colleagues, and, most recently, by the staff at the Hearth at Drexel in Bala Cynwyd.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a Memorial Mass on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Stamford, Connecticut.
If inclined, donations may be made in his memory to the Senior Nutrition Program/Catholic Charities of Fairfield County Inc. or helpforkidsct.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Suchenski
Karen
December 4, 2025
Dr. Suchenski was the best Doctor ever. We loved him so much. The Piacenza family
Chris Marschall
June 9, 2025
You were my doctor as a child. Thank you so much for everything. I will always remember you.
George E Greer
February 4, 2025
Mike & Family
So sorry for your loss. May God Bless You All
Ted Greer
Deb Damon Edelman
January 6, 2025
Dr. Suchenski was pediatrician to my three daughters back in the 80s. Dr. "Such" was the very best Doctor, neighbor and dear friend. He was always available 24/7 for me and my girls, which meant the world to us! His lovely wife, Val, daughters and son, were always there for me and my family. He was and will always be a cherished part of our lives! Special love to his family!
XO
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Trish Mulvoy
December 30, 2024
Dr. Mike was my 4 children´s doctor for 24 years. He was kind and so gentle. Our youngest son had meningitis and Mike cared for him for two weeks in St. Joseph´s. He made a scary time bearable. He even helped with our first grandson. The medical world will miss one of the most caring doctors I have ever known.
Trish and Mark Mulvoy
David Fine
December 16, 2024
He was a great Doctor and a great person
Always believed in me and encouraged me even when my family did not
He will me missed not many like that anymore they build people up
Janice Marks
December 16, 2024
Dr. Suchenski was the best. He saved my sons life twice. At 3 months and 9 months. He was always available. While in the hospital with my son he not only took care of my son but also made sure i was taken care of. To this day 40 plus years later we still talk fondly of him. Wonderful man
Mary Ellen Georgoulis
December 15, 2024
Dr. Mike was Family pediatricians for all three of my sons. He was the greatest doctor and always cared for his patience. I have thought of him many times over the years, and kind of lost track of where he was. He certainly let a great life and he has left behind a beautiful family with beautiful memories. Rest in peace Dr. Mike.
A Grateful American
December 15, 2024
Thank you for your service to our country.
Lori Gunn and daughters
December 12, 2024
Dr Suchenski was truly among the best and set the bar pretty high for those who followed. A kind, gentle, and patient man who always had a smile on his face. He deserves to rest in peace with those who left before him. Deepest sympathies to his family. He is a legend.
Mimma Califano
December 12, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the entire Suchenski family! He was the BEST!
The Califano Family
Elizabeth Mitchell Outlaw
December 12, 2024
Dr. Suchenski attended my daughter at Saint Joseph´s Medical Center when she was born there in 1991. Did not know until I read his obituary that he was the chief of pediatrics at Saint Joe´s; he was surely worthy of that role. His calm and wise demeanor was very reassuring to this first-time mother! My memories of him at that momentous time in our lives will remain a blessing to me. "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master."
Ann Swanek Pomponio
December 12, 2024
I worked with Mike when he was an intern at St. V´s. He exemplified everyone´s dream of a what a doctor IS or SHOULD be: compassionate, genuinely concerned, highly skilled clinically honest and further attributes of the Great Physician.
My sympathies. Ann
SUE & DAVID CARSWELL
December 12, 2024
DR MIKE WAS NOT ONLY OUR DR FOR OUR SONS, MIKE & JEFFREY BUT HE ALSO WAS OUR GRANDCHILDRENS DOCTOR. DR MIKE WAS SUCH A GREAT DR AND GENTLEMAN, HE ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL SO SECURE IN HIS ACTIONS THAT HE TOOK WITH YOUR CHILDREN. WE SEND OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF THE FAMILY. WE HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF YOUR DAD AND MOM AND SEND OUR BLESSINGS TO COMFORT YOU AT THIS TIME. LOVE AND PRAYERS...........SUE AND DAVID
Geri Maloney
December 12, 2024
Dr. Mike was an outstanding pediatrician for my children and his kindness and compassion to our whole family, was truly appreciated.
The Maloney family
Pierre and Barbara Desilets
December 11, 2024
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad. He cared for both of our daughters and he was a very caring, kind person. My daughters were very fond of him and when my older daughter was three she told him she was going to marry him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert and Lenore Ofiero
December 11, 2024
To the Suchenski family, Doctor Suchenski was a very special and caring Dr. He took care of our two children when they were little. Always made you feel like you were the only patient he had. He was just an amazing person. Our sincere condolences to all of you. Lenore and Bob Ofiero
A Fellow US Navy Sailor
December 11, 2024
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate. Your watch is over, rest in peace.
Debbie Sweeney and Wendy Lacey
December 11, 2024
Dear Karen, Josh and family,
It's been many years. Wendy and I are still great friends. We send our deepest condolences to you on your Dad's passing. xo
Paul Nakian
December 11, 2024
Michael Suchenski was wonderful with my three children and always kindly and understanding. He was also a terrific guy on a personal level. Maria and I fondly remember Michael and his late and wonderful wife Valerie. We have lost two great people. Paul Nakian
Marilyn Freeman
December 11, 2024
Our condolences go to the Suchenski family. Dr. Suchenski was a caring, wonderful doctor and was so helpful to us figuring out how to raise our kids, now in their 40's. Rest in peace. Marilyn & Gary Freeman
Cappy Kane
December 11, 2024
Dr. Suchenski was our pediatrician for our 3 children.
He was the best. Always smiling and very competent and he never failed to call you back to comfort a new mom with her questions and concerns.
God bless you Dr. Suchenski and thank you.
Jeanne Urso
December 10, 2024
He cared for my 2 oldest children. He was the sweetest, caring most loving Dr. I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Prayers for his family.
Karen
December 10, 2024
Dear Michael & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your Dad. He was the best Doctor I have ever known. He saved our daughter Jennifer´s life. She was born two months premature. We just loved Dr. Suchenski.
Sincerely, Michael & Karen Piacenza
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