Alan Reeves Suskin

On July 26, 2023, this world lost an amazing man, and heaven gained one.  Alan Reeves Suskin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  His impact on everyone he knew was lifelong.  The reason for that was simple; he was kind.  A godly man who treated others the way he wanted to be treated. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 18, 1938, the son of Jewish immigrants, Frank and Eve Suskin.  He grew up in South Florida and worked his way through college and dental school. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.  For part of his tour of duty he was stationed at a Marine base in Okinawa, Japan.  Some of his life’s strongest memories and best stories came from this period of his life.  Yet his long career in dentistry was never his passion.   His passion was reserved for his family, friends and for life itself.  He loved to fish, play guitar, golf, paint, laugh with those he loved, and make them laugh.  One thing Alan Suskin almost never talked about was himself.   He was humble and selfless, giving generously of his time, money, and energy. If he needed new clothes, someone else would have to notice, and usually buy them for him.  He was content with old clothes, worn out shoes, outdated golf clubs, a high mileage car.  It didn’t matter.  He never put any stock in material things.  He was always happy making other people happy.  As a Christian, he shared the good news of Jesus with many people. He spoke of his faith with family, friends and strangers.  Alan Suskin lived out the scripture that says; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”  (Romans 1:16). To his children, Greg Suskin (Heather) and Shan Suskin Burkhardt, (Bob) his love was always evident, as he poured himself into making life fun. He had a big laugh that would turn heads in public, and let his family know exactly where he was.  To his wife of twenty-nine years, Sharon Watson Suskin, that laugh was one of the many joys of their life together. She hailed from East Tennessee, yet they met in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while both of them were working backstage on a Christmas play at First Baptist Church. Alan Suskin spoke and acted in love in all he did. That was evident to Sharon’s children Bryan (Angel) and Dionne Glover, who were blessed to know him and embrace him as a father figure in their own lives. Alan was blessed with six grandchildren and three bonus grandchildren: Brayden Burkhardt, Grant Suskin, Halle Burkhardt Wilson, Haley Suskin King, Reese Burkhardt, Rachel Suskin, Brett Glover, Tyler Glover and Hannah Rash. Alan Suskin’s humility and generous spirit was expressed in his deep interest in the lives of those around him.  His children and grandchildren, his brother Leonard, sister in law Michaelene, niece and nephew Dale and Linda, and many, many friends who adored him. On Wednesday morning the gates of Heaven opened for Alan Suskin, and he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.  A holy and strong embrace like no other.   As the last of this life faded, he began anew.   That small, still voice that had lived in his heart, guided his steps, and heard his prayers for most of his life, was now standing in front of him, eager to hear his unmistakable laugh, and hold his hand for us, until we meet him again.