IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Susan K.

Susan K. Sassano Profile Photo

Sassano

Dec 5, 1917 — Mar 10, 2017

Obituary

Our special mom, grandmom, gigi, aunt, and friend passed away March 10, 2017. Sue was born on December 5, 1917 to Paul and Maria Antonelli. She was the third eldest of 10 children. Sue's stories of her early school years were brief, since she would leave school in April and return in October. The family would spend their long summers working on large farms in South Jersey. These times were difficult. When Sue shared her memories of her living conditions, or riding on the trucks to get to the fields or the actual work of picking tomatoes, peppers and more, we would listen in amazement at what this remarkable lady did in her early life. Big band music was a happy part of Sue's life. Dancing well came easily to her. She was a popular partner - her dance card filled up in minutes. When she met Frank at the dance hall, she was concerned he wasn't a good dancer. After their first few steps, she knew he could lead her beautifully. They danced together for 71 years. She was a wonderful cook. simply cooking was a pleasure to her. She showed her love by providing home-made meals. Sue and Frank welcomed everyone to their home to enjoy the warmth of their company. Sue's Italian heritage was important to her and she was known for her Italian cooking - especially her gravy and "the best" meatballs, homemade cavatelli, and light-as-a feather pizzelles. Whatever type of food she made, it was incredibly tasty and always the easiest food to make. "It's so easy" was her reply whenever someone asked her how to make it. Sue delighted in giving her food away to friends, but especially her grandchildren so they would have a home-cooked meal during a work week. We can now cherish the memories of those meals we all shared together. Sue worked in the cafeteria in the S.S. White building in Philadelphia to help pay college costs for her son. One day a vice-president of the company took her to visit his uncle who had a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. From that surprising meeting the stock market became a major interest for the rest of her life. Sue educated herself in this area. She loved talking about the ups and downs of the market with family, friends, and even her doctor! She was her grandchildren's favorite financial advisor (save for the future!). For mom's 80th birthday, we went to the NYSE for a personal tour, highlighted by meeting and having a picture taken with a favorite MSNBC host. Mom loved it! To know Sue was to love her. She was one in a million, (both comments were from neighbors and friends). She gave of herself unconditionally. Only finishing the fifth grade, she could converse and had opinions on any topic. Her intelligence, vocabulary, understanding, and interest in life and the world around her was inspiring. She had a sweetness and kindness about her that drew people to her. Mom would have a conversation with anyone who sat next to her. She was our 99 year old energizer bunny - the center of our family. She enriched the lives of all who knew her; a true and trusted friend. She was Ron and Janet's best friend. Her compassion, generosity, knowledge, honesty, guidance, and love and dedication to her family will be fondly remembered. She loved watching cooking shows, the Phillies, MSNBC and Dancing with the Stars, sharing favorites with her granddaughter. We were fortunate to have had someone so devoted to her family and friends with us for so long. Mom would say remember our happy times, keep your family close, and appreciate the past and the life ahead of you. Sue was predeceased by her beloved husband and best dance partner Frank and eight siblings. Cherished mother of Ron (Diane) and Janet. Loved grandmother of Lisa (Bill) Coyle, Christopher (Christine), Michael and Patrick; and great grandmother of Alexis, who warmed her heart whenever they were together. She is also survived by her former daughter-in-law Judy Sassano, her dear sister Pauline Reynolds, and many nieces and nephews. We love you Mom. You were a blessing. You will be greatly missed and will be in our hearts always.
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