John P. Suskawicz 1921-2011 Hinsdale, NH - John Paul Suskawicz, 90, a long time resident of Hinsdale, passed away at his home on Friday, September 30, 2011, following an extended illness. John was born on May 25, 1921 in Hempstead, New York (Long Island), the son of Paul and Mary (Poly) Suskawicz who immigrated to the United States from Russia. John's father passed away when he was eight years old and he devoted his life to care for his mother. As a teenager during the Depression, John worked with the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and traveled around the country working on construction projects. One CCC project he worked on was the Surry Dam in New Hampshire. His paycheck was sent to support his mother living in New York. He enjoyed the sport of boxing and participated in the Golden Gloves Tournament at Madison Square Garden in NYC. John was a member of The Greatest Generation and proudly served in the Navy during World War II. Stationed in the South Pacific, his patriotism would flourish as he fought for his country and freedom. He would proudly fly the American flag every day on his front lawn and steadfastly only purchase American made products and automobiles. John was a talented artist and, after the war, received a scholarship to attend the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, Mass. A marriage and family delayed his artistic pursuits but he continued to paint throughout his life, becoming well known for his paintings of local covered bridges and historic buildings. John worked for many years at the Hinsdale Paper Mill and then as a pressman at the Book Press in Brattleboro, Vermont. He became a skilled gardener and produced a bountiful vegetable garden each year, known especially for his horse radish, fiddleheads, gooseberries and special blue corn. He would proudly distribute vegetables to his family and friends. John participated in the Brattleboro Farmer's Market for many years. He also created a Christmas Tree Farm on land he purchased in the north section of Hinsdale and planted, trimmed and sold holiday trees. He frequently donated Christmas trees during the holidays to families who were less fortunate. Throughout his life he was a lover of nature and animals, always having dogs and cats as pets, and thrilling in the frequent sightings on his rural property of birds, deer, turkeys and foxes. John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Felicia (Matuszewski) Suskawicz, daughters, Janice Nichols of Westbrook, Maine and Donna Suskawicz of Boston, Mass., grandchildren, Amanda, Jessica and Andrew, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Paul, Jr., Alexander and Ignatius Suskawicz and a sister, Ann Donley. Graveside Committal Rites with full military honors will be conducted by Rev. Steve Kucharski on Thursday, October 6th at 2:00 P.M. in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Hinsdale. Memorial contributions may be made in John's honor to the Brigham House/Zola Center for Persons with Disabilities, 20 Hartford Street, Newton, MA 02461