Obituary for Daniel J Susi Sr.
Daniel J. Susi, Sr. - Our Pop – breathed his last on Tuesday, November 29th (May 21, 1939-Nov. 29. 2022) leaving behind his brother Adam (Irene), son DJ (Christie) and grandchildren Brittany (Danny), Anthony (Taylor), Casey (Deshawn), Bradley (Ali) and Dominic (Brittany). He is also survived by great grandchildren Lyric and Danny, Cousin Geri Turner and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Clara Millius, brother Mike Millius, daughter Lisa Tidwell and great-grandson Jaden. He spent a good amount of time on this earth - 30,508 days – but for all those who loved him, it wasn’t enough.
We say “Pop” because many besides our immediate family used that term to describe him. He was a man unlike any other – a man of integrity, of faith, of unending love and generosity. He was a “father” to many and a dear friend to many more. Many knew Pop was devoted to serving others, his military career, his volunteerism, his civic service and accomplishments. But perhaps more important was the quiet friendship, support, and huge helping hand that only his recipients will know of.
Pop was born in Shawtown, New Castle, and never strayed very far from the town he loved. As a younger man he coached both DJ and Lisa in baseball and softball at New Castle little league and later coached softball and basketball at Wilmington College. Pop was an avid sports fan and would travel with some of his close friends to Notre Dame, he enjoyed being a season ticket holder for the Baltimore Ravens, but mostly he liked to hang out with his family at home watching just about any sport. He worked for many years for Gambacorta Motors, eventually starting Carino Leasing which later became DJ Leasing. He enlisted with Delaware Army National Guard in 1959 and became full time in 1978. Pop served as the first Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Northern Delaware Recruiting and Retention Operation for over 20 years. His loyalty, dedication and patriotism led the Delaware recruiting & retention operation to prominence as one of the top operations in the country. His list of awards and decorations received while in the military was long, his prized award was the first Chief's 50 award winner in Delaware. An award presented to those who excelled in growing the Army National Guard. Pop also received the Legion of Merit for period of service: May 1989 - May 1999 and he always looked forward to assist with the Blue Gold dinners for special Olympics. In 2013, he was appointed to the Delaware Army National Guard NCO Hall of Fame, where they shared “his distinguished service is a credit to himself, the State of Delaware, the Delaware National Guard and the United States Army.” Pop loved his country and was very proud and honored to serve for the years that he did. Pop was a true Patriot.
Pop spent the rest of his life continuing to serve, but on his own terms. He did for others and lived lovingly doing what he wanted as well. He was a City Councilman for New Castle in 1975 and was instrumental in putting up the street signs that are still in use today. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Lion’s Club and held many positions at both St. Anthony’s Club and St. Anthony’s Society. He loved his St. Anthony’s Bocce family and playing with them brought him great joy over the years and will be missed in the kitchen during spaghetti dinners. He was a great cook, but some of what he was best known for was his stuffed peppers and limoncello. He had a close-knit group of friends and family with whom he shared an occasional “Old Man Happy Hour,” exchanging food, wine, stories, laughs and camaraderie. That Happy Hour will never be the same.
There was something about Pop, you felt it as soon as you met him. A light, a love, a blazing spirit that made you feel at ease as soon as you spoke to him. While we are forever heartbroken at our loss, we know we are all the greater for having you in our lives. Rest easy Pop, until we meet again.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, December 9th at 12pm at St. Peters Church where friends are invited to visit form 10-12. The internment will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Park, Wednesday, December 14th at 10am. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donations in Pop’s name to St. Anthony’s Society, 1017 Gray St. or St. Peters Church, 5th and Harmony St., New Castle, DE 19720/
We say “Pop” because many besides our immediate family used that term to describe him. He was a man unlike any other – a man of integrity, of faith, of unending love and generosity. He was a “father” to many and a dear friend to many more. Many knew Pop was devoted to serving others, his military career, his volunteerism, his civic service and accomplishments. But perhaps more important was the quiet friendship, support, and huge helping hand that only his recipients will know of.
Pop was born in Shawtown, New Castle, and never strayed very far from the town he loved. As a younger man he coached both DJ and Lisa in baseball and softball at New Castle little league and later coached softball and basketball at Wilmington College. Pop was an avid sports fan and would travel with some of his close friends to Notre Dame, he enjoyed being a season ticket holder for the Baltimore Ravens, but mostly he liked to hang out with his family at home watching just about any sport. He worked for many years for Gambacorta Motors, eventually starting Carino Leasing which later became DJ Leasing. He enlisted with Delaware Army National Guard in 1959 and became full time in 1978. Pop served as the first Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Northern Delaware Recruiting and Retention Operation for over 20 years. His loyalty, dedication and patriotism led the Delaware recruiting & retention operation to prominence as one of the top operations in the country. His list of awards and decorations received while in the military was long, his prized award was the first Chief's 50 award winner in Delaware. An award presented to those who excelled in growing the Army National Guard. Pop also received the Legion of Merit for period of service: May 1989 - May 1999 and he always looked forward to assist with the Blue Gold dinners for special Olympics. In 2013, he was appointed to the Delaware Army National Guard NCO Hall of Fame, where they shared “his distinguished service is a credit to himself, the State of Delaware, the Delaware National Guard and the United States Army.” Pop loved his country and was very proud and honored to serve for the years that he did. Pop was a true Patriot.
Pop spent the rest of his life continuing to serve, but on his own terms. He did for others and lived lovingly doing what he wanted as well. He was a City Councilman for New Castle in 1975 and was instrumental in putting up the street signs that are still in use today. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Lion’s Club and held many positions at both St. Anthony’s Club and St. Anthony’s Society. He loved his St. Anthony’s Bocce family and playing with them brought him great joy over the years and will be missed in the kitchen during spaghetti dinners. He was a great cook, but some of what he was best known for was his stuffed peppers and limoncello. He had a close-knit group of friends and family with whom he shared an occasional “Old Man Happy Hour,” exchanging food, wine, stories, laughs and camaraderie. That Happy Hour will never be the same.
There was something about Pop, you felt it as soon as you met him. A light, a love, a blazing spirit that made you feel at ease as soon as you spoke to him. While we are forever heartbroken at our loss, we know we are all the greater for having you in our lives. Rest easy Pop, until we meet again.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, December 9th at 12pm at St. Peters Church where friends are invited to visit form 10-12. The internment will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Park, Wednesday, December 14th at 10am. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donations in Pop’s name to St. Anthony’s Society, 1017 Gray St. or St. Peters Church, 5th and Harmony St., New Castle, DE 19720/