Frank Susman

Frank Susman, champion of human rights and women's rights, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Sun City West, Arizona after a brief hospitalization. Frank leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Nancy, his sons Andrew Susman (Samadhi) and Adam Susman (Winfrey), his grandson, Odin Susman, his beloved brother, Ben Susman, his sister Petie Karsh (Robert), his beloved niece, Tatiana Rauch, and sister-in-law, Karen Rauch, as well as many other nieces, nephews and other family members too numerous to mention. Frank was born on June 1, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Earl Susman and the late Mildred (Stone) Susman. He began his legal career working for his father at Susman, Schermer, Rimmel & Shifrin. There he honed his skills as a litigator and a relentless advocate for civil liberties and women's reproductive freedoms. Frank argued six cases before the United States Supreme Court, and he still remains the only attorney to have argued two cases on the same day before that Court. In addition to his legal work, Frank was involved in a variety of contexts in the field of law enforcement in Missouri. He served as a special consultant on police matters for the St. Louis County Council, as a reserve Lieutenant for the City of Pagedale Police Department, and as a reserve Lieutenant Colonel for the City of Moline Acres Police Department. Frank originally retired to Gunnison, Colorado where he and Nancy lived for a short period of time. Because they were drawn by the light, the culture, the landscape, and the smell of roasting green chiles, Frank and Nancy moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they lived for nearly two decades and called it "home." In Santa Fe, Frank was known for his love of bolo ties, cowboy hats and cowboy boots. He enjoyed the outdoors and would sit for hours with his dog at his side while reading the newspaper, working crossword puzzles or just looking at the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Memorial contributions in Frank's name can be made to the New Mexico Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union aclu-nm.org or to Brandeis University brandeis.edu or to the organization of your choice that supports freedom and liberty.