Lillian Bodnar Susino, age 95 years, of East Amwell Township, NJ, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in New York City, NY on October 16, 1925, daughter of the late Joseph and Barbara Demjen Bodnar, Lillian grew up in New York City and had lived in Metuchen, NJ for over sixty-three years prior to moving to East Amwell Township in 2017.

A warm, compassionate, and loving soul inside and out, Lillian will forever be remembered as a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, G.G., and friend to all.

Her New York City melting pot upbringing allowed Lillian to be exposed to many things that would forever drive her spirit of loving and accepting all peoples. She and her future husband, Charles Susino, Jr., would come to be known by everyone as a couple who gave respect and love to all, and instilled this virtue into the hearts and actions of their children and future generations.

Lillian and Charlie were a match made by the heavens. Marrying on April 6, 1947 in their hometown city of New York, the couple formed a foundation based on the “stuff” fairytales are made. Their love was genuine and pure; they never went to bed angry and always, always, kissed hello and goodbye. Even as Charlie was being transferred into the care of the funeral home upon his passing in 2018, Lillian held his wedding band on his finger tight and kissed him. For seventy-one years the two lived and breathed each other, and it was surely Charlie who greeted his beloved when she closed her eyes on this Earth and opened them in her heavenly home.

Lillian was Charlie’s princess, and he always affectionately referred to her as, “darling” or “sweetheart”. He lived to make her happy and they never had an argument in all their time together. Simply, they both never let anything get to that point.

Upon Charlie’s death, Lillian fondly reflected on how she never had to worry about anything as he took care of her 100% and was always there. Even in his final days, he made certain her chair was positioned so he could sit and just look into her eyes. It was this type of relationship that Lillian was most proud to set the example for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Lillian was as devoted as the title mother suggests; simply put, she was there for her family in all ways. It is important to note that her love was never hidden and she made certain she was extremely approachable about anything life could throw at her family.

Lillian and Charlie, in an effort to ensure that their growing family knew how important a strong foundation was, hosted a family vacation every year on Long Beach Island where they rented a large home for everyone to stay at; for the past 35 summers, the entire family would spend time together, laughing and living life to its fullest. Lessons learned during this time will forever drive those in attendance to ‘do good’ in their own lives.

Working as an office administrator for Dr. Leticia DeCastro in Edison, NJ for many years, Lillian was beloved by all the patients and staff and was known for her exceptional spelling skills, which paid dividends in a medical office setting! She was also known to always be sharply dressed and even as she aged, she always enjoyed getting a manicure and ensuring her cosmetics and attire were on point for any occasion.

Having many hobbies including visiting New York City, watching American Ninja Warriors, and voraciously reading (especially 1940’s love stories), Lillian also was an amazing crocheter, and did so for many years.  She made many afghans, but her heart was really into making baby blankets, sweaters and hats for her grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends.

Music was an integral part of Lillian’s world and she played the piano since she was a child. She even taught piano over the years to the neighborhood children to help the family make ends meet. Many children in the Menlo Park Terrace, NJ area benefitted from her caring and thoughtful teaching techniques. She was even playing piano until a few weeks ago, as music had the ability to allow her heart to be close to her dear Charlie.

Though saddened by her passing, her family takes heart that she is happily reunited with her husband and all those who have gone before, into a place where there is only light, happiness, and peace. Author Graycie Harmon once wrote, “My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.” Thank you Lillian, for opening the hearts of all who met you to allow them to always hear your, as well as their own tune.

In addition to her parents, and her beloved husband Charles, Lillian was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Celeste W. Susino; her brother, Bill Bodnar and his wife, MaryEllen; her brothers-in-law and their wives, Edward and Mary Susino and Robert and Marion Susino; a nephew, Robert Susino, Jr.; and two nieces, Maryann and Donna Susino.

Surviving are her two children, Diane and her husband, Ted Harrington III and Charles Anthony and his wife, Debra Steitz; her grandchildren, Ted Harrington IV and his wife, Bethann, Scott and his wife, Kerry Harrington, Nicholas and his wife, Maegan Harrington, Jeffrey Harrington, Jeanette and her husband, Richard DeNunzio, and Dana and her husband, Steve Kiess; her great grandchildren, Derek, Hanna, Eva, T.J., Max, Sofia, Violet, Dominic, Leo, and Alyssa; her grandson’s faithful companion, a Doberman named Ruby, whose affection for Lillian was unmatched ; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

A visitation for family was private under the care and direction of  Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Graveside life celebration services and burial with her beloved husband, United States Army Staff Sgt. Charles Susino, Jr., National Commander of the Ex-Prisoners of War, will take place at a time and on a date to be announced in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

You are encouraged to visit Lillian’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, of which Charlie was currently serving as National Commander. Donations may be mailed to: American Ex-Prisoners of War, National Headquarters, P.O. Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007-3444.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”