Rev. Msgr. Martin Susko

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - Reverend Monsignor Martin Susko, 81, passed away peacefully late Friday morning, Nov. 6, 2015, at his residence with the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Monsignor Susko was the son of the late John and Margaret Hovanic Susko, and was a native of Warren. He attended public elementary school and then St. Mary High School (predecessor to John F. Kennedy High School). He studied for the priesthood at St. Gregory, Mount St. Mary of West, and Xavier University, all in Cincinnati, and earned masters degrees in divinity and education.

He was ordained May 27, 1961, by Bishop Emmet Walsh at the Cathedral of St. Columba in Youngstown.

Following ordination, Monsignor Susko served as assistant pastor at St. Columba (1961-1963) and Holy Name Parish, Youngstown (1963-1964). He began teaching at Ursuline High School and then became assistant principal in 1967 while earning a licentiate in canon law from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

He became vice officialis of the diocesan Marriage Tribunal in 1971 and assumed the top post of officialis in 1975, retaining the role he had held since 1972 as rector of St. Columba Cathedral. In 1985 he was appointed pastor of St. Mary, Mineral Ridge in addition to his tribunal position. In 1993 he was appointed pastor of St. Rose, Girard. He was named a prelate of honor in March 1997 with the title of Monsignor. Monsignor Susko retired Sept. 1, 2004.

He also served as executive secretary of the diocesan Liturgical Commission and the diocesan Planning Commission; assistant director of the diocesan Family Life Office and was active on various community boards and agencies. He had been active in professional canon law associations. He chaired the Youngstown Fair Employment Practices Commission and is a past president of the Gilead House board.

Monsignor served as Dean of Mahoning County and on Priests’ Council, the Priests Retirement Board, and the Board of Mediation and Arbitration for the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Conciliation. He was also a 3rd-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Girard.

He is survived by two sisters, Martha Petracco of Warren and Thelma (Bernard) Bast of Gaylord, Mich.; a brother, Bernard (Bonnie) Susko of Akron; six nieces and nephews, Michael Petracco, Mark (Beth) Petracco, Gregory (Darcy) Bast, Molly Bast, Jenna Susko, and Jacob Susko; three great-nieces and great-nephews, Giovannina Petracco, and Mara and Gavin Bast; and many cousins and extended family members.

A brother Theodore Susko, a brother-in-law, Michael Petracco, and a nephew, Trevor Bast, are deceased.

Visitation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, and from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, at St. Rose Church in Girard. A  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, at St. Rose Church, with Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown, officiating.

Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Cortland.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, McClurkin Memorial Chapel, in Girard.

In lieu of flowers, Monsignor Susko’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Rose Parish, or to The Oblate Sisters, 50 Warner Rd., Hubbard, OH, 44425.

His calling, vocation in caring, spoke for his earthly life and he will be greatly missed by many.

God Bless Monsignor Martin Susko.