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JOHN SZUCHAN Obituary
John J. Szuchan, age 78, of Carolina Beach, NC, left this world on October 19th 2012, for bigger and better things.
Born and raised in Phoenixville, PA, John was the son of Charles and Mary Szuchan. He had 3 sisters, Marge, Maryanne, and Carol and brother Charlie (now departed). He was lucky to remain close with his best childhood friend from Pennsylvania, Ted Kilyk - the two never missed NC State Alumni football reunions.
John graduated from North Carolina State University where he was captain of the football team. After college - which he referred to as 'the best years of my life', John was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957. After a brief stint with the Steelers, he went on to be a successful Industrial Engineer.
While John moved frequently with his work, and travelled around the world, he spent his golden years in one of his favorite places - Carolina Beach, aka 'Pleasure Island'. There, he had great neighbors, friends and relatives, including Pete Nemmers, and his brother-in-law and caregiver for the past year, Michael Nemmers.
Known for his offbeat sense of humor; John liked fishing, golfing and watching Wolfpack football games. During his golden years, or as he referred to it 'the rust years,' John enjoyed sitting on his porch, talking with neighbors, friends and family.
John is survived by his 5 Children: Lynn Miller, John David Szuchan, Susan Szuchan, Kim Szuchan, and Kristin Alpers; 6 grandchildren: Amanda Miller, John David Szuchan Jr, Lauren Szuchan, Sam Szuchan, Sydney Alpers and Quinn Alpers. He was known lovingly to his grandkids as 'Papa Jack.'
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 27th at 9:00am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 6650 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412. Reception will immediately follow.
AH-EE-AHT! Signing off Papa Jack!
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN SZUCHAN
November 5, 2012
Your Dad sounds as wonderful as I'd imagine, knowing his terrific kids. I'm so sorry for your loss. Love, Kaedy Kiely
Lynn Adams
November 5, 2012
RIP, Uncle Johnny, from one of the Lee sisters ~ (hom and ug)........ love Lynn Haines Adams
November 1, 2012
Dearest Aunt Evelyn, Lynn, David, Jr., Susan; Kimberly and Christie...I had to hear through the grapevine of Uncle Johnny's passing. I spoke with David in June when my family and I were in N.C. for a basketball camp for my son and I wanted more than ever to make the trip to see Uncle John. It was a long ride and I would have had to travel alone with a rent-a-car. I spoke with him on the phone, but never made it in person. I wish I could go back to that day and just have gone there. I do have many fond memories of my cousins and Uncle Johnnie. He was thee most down to earth man I've ever known. He did have a strong presence and could lite up a room no matter how dismal! I truly loved him and regret not seeing him and his passing is extremely sad. This world will not be the same without him. I will miss him dearly. I love his family and miss them as well. I pray for him and the entire Szuchan family. God Bless you. I wish I'd known about his passing sooner so I could have paid my respects to him. RIP Uncle Johnnie!!! With Love, The Nugent Family...Joe, Laurie, Erica, Kelly Jo and Joey, Jr.
Fernando Garcia and tribe
October 31, 2012
Kim and sisters joining you on the Joy of knowing him on heaven through the immense mercy of our loving Jesus ,our savior
October 27, 2012
David, Lynn, Susan, Kin and Christy - I am sorry over the loss of your father. Take care of each other during this sad time. Carin Michelle
Jan DeAngelis Whitton
October 26, 2012
My dear Uncle John... always reminded me of Jack Nicholson- especially when he laughed! I always got a "kick" out of his unique personality. I enjoyed our loooong talks on the phone. He was a very smart man. When I didn't answer, he would leave me the most awsome voicemails... of course, they contained very , obscene language, which made it so funny, & were sometimes about the craziest topics- like the Easter Bunny, LOL... I'd listen several times just to figure out where in the world he was coming from... I just figured it was his way of saying, "hi, I miss you, call me back". I loved his personality, I loved how he spoke so highly of my Mom, I loved how he made such a big deal about how delicious Mom's cheesecakes were (he was right), and I loved how he called me "January". I always liked that. Good memories, wonderful man! I will miss him! All my love to everyone.
Dana Pinder
October 24, 2012
Dear John and family; Please accept our deepest sympathies in the passing of your father. Although I did not meet him, I know he has raised wonderful children who blessed him with wonderful grandchildren. May God be with you and yours at this time of sorrow. Please know we are here for you all when ever you need us. Much love to you. Dana Pinder and family
Kim Gagliardi
October 24, 2012
To all my cousins and Aunt Evelyn, I was very sad to hear about my Uncle Johnny. He left me with fond childhood memories with his grand smile, sense of humor and heart of gold. Although I cannot be there with you, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless Uncle Johnny, we love you, rest in peace.
Beth Parker
October 24, 2012
We have lived next door to John for the past year and a half. He was a wonderful neighbor, funny and thoughtful! We will certainly miss him and his company!
Dave Parker
October 24, 2012
To all of John's family....my deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of your Dad. I personally will miss him a lot. He was always very nice to me and my family. Whenever John was in Raleigh or we drove down to Carolina Beach, I always very much looked forward to seeing him and being in his company. I couldn't get enough of seeing him and Dick in the same room. They were so funny!
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