ROBERT "BOB" MORRIS SUSSLER 1928 - 2017
NORWICH - A democrat in the several senses of the word. Robert ("Bob") Morris Sussler, passed away on December 4, 2017, aged 89. He was the son of Libby Levin Sussler and Dr. David Sussler, M.D. He was born and raised in Norwich, on Rockwell Street, and resided in New London, Connecticut. Born April 19, 1928 in New York City, he was educated in Norwich, attended and graduated from Phillips Andover Academy and Yale College and received his law degree from Northwestern University in 1952.
Bob Sussler throughout his career was an advocate for progressive change and consumer protection. After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War, Bob married Ruth Lyford and begin his career as an attorney, specializing in the areas of public utility and real estate law. He served as an advisor to Governor Chester Bowles, during the Bowles Administration. He represented the City of Hartford during the administration of Nicholas Carbone on behalf of electric consumers in numerous public utility rate regulatory proceedings before the then Connecticut Public Utilities Control Authority. He was instrumental in securing the passage in 1976 of the authorizing legislation creating the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative to allow the municipal electric utilities to respond successfully to sweeping changes in the electric utility industry. He helped establish, in Southeastern Connecticut, the Child Guidance Center, the Thames Science Center and Hospice Care, and the first African-American owned bank established in Connecticut. Following a stroke in 1992, Bob authored the book, "A Brain's Battle Against a Stroke", addressing, through the experience of his own illness and its treatment, the changes in the medical profession from the time of his father. His father was chief of surgery at the Backus Hospital.
Sussler enjoyed travel to Mexico and Costa Rica, and lobstering and a daily routine of swimming in Long Island Sound at the shore in front of his home. Bob is survived by his wife Ruth Lyford Sussler of New London, CT; his brother Frank Sussler of Farmington, CT; his children and their spouses, Philip Sussler and Diana Leyden of Silver Spring, Maryland, Albert and Emi Sussler, of Tokoname, Japan, Phoebe Sussler Pilj, of New London, CT and Anna Sussler of Norwich, CT; his grand-children, Cori and Libby Leyden-Sussler, Rui, Reo and Robin Sussler, Taft and Robert Pilj, and great-grandson, Saku.
There will be a private burial on Thursday. The family will sit Shiva at the family home on Thursday evening at 7 PM. A celebration of Bob's life is anticipated for the coming summer.

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Published by Norwich Bulletin from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sussler

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.

7 Entries

Jan Hine

December 10, 2017

Dear dear Ruth - I am so sad to hear of your loss and am thinking of you daily and giving you "virtual" hugs. I wish they were in person - but life is so difficult these days! I know what a great emptiness this will mean for you but your creativity will surely enable you to fill the gaps as they happen. Know that you are loved and enjoyed by so many friends and family members and there are so many memories to savor. My love to you - take a hug. Jan

December 7, 2017

I remember years ago, Bob was so kind to my mother (Mrs. Rose York) while she was going through her divorce. He helped guide her through this emotional time. I will always be thankful for the kindness he shows to our family. Gillian York Willard

December 6, 2017

Ruthie and all Susslers, We are thinking of you in this time of parting. Janis and Andy Mink

joan sussler

December 6, 2017

Dear Ruthie, Phoebe, Phil, Albert and Anna,

It seems like yesterday when Bob stood in our living room to celebrate Frank's 90th birthday. Bob seemed so very much his witty, kind, gracious self. The three years that have passed since then make us appreciate What a precious moment that was, one that Frank and and Betsy and I will always treasure.

It must be a lasting source of comfort and pride to know that Bob's many accomplishments
and devotion to his family, his community and his country will continue to be a source of inspiration and blessing to all who knew him. This is not to mention his subtle and self-deprecating sense of humor which left an indelible mark on Frank and me.

Please know that our memories of Bob will continue to reveal him to us as the exceptionally fine person he was.

Sending our love,

Joan and Frank

Bruno Sutley

December 6, 2017

Dear Ruth and Sussler Family: My deepest symphathy for your loss; Bob was a great friend to
enjoy his erudition , knowledge and wisdom in our
time together in Pelican Cove and our visit to New
London.My esteem to you,Dear Ruth, my frequent
watercolor painting companion,let your Art provide
you with some consolation.I will always remember
your friendship. From Pelican Cove,Bruno Sutley

Richard Sigal

December 6, 2017

Ruth. The heartfelt condolences from Laura , Abby , Samayla and myself for you as the strength behind a brave and fine lifelong friend and legal colleague His father and I had a long battle between Yankees and Red Sox but more importantly my career path of Andover and Yale was a direct result of Bobby and Frank . When he became general counsel to the regional utility we combined to put those first bond issues on an even footing and over all these years we enjoyed talking state politics including this past summer as the Ds were failing to be realistic about the decline of the Ct fisc . Oh well he need not bother about that. I will await the event this summer but do me a favor and place a stone at the Land site across from the Sussler site I trust Anna will understand that he lasted a long time and was active and mindful throughout. That is a blessing we all wish for. Richard(dicky) Land Sigal

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