Obituary of Susan Luppino

February 8, 2023

Susan (Klein) Luppino, 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 8, 2023 at her 16 West 16th St residence in New York City. Diagnosed in 2018, she battled Stage-4 Ovarian Cancer with fight, sheer courage and unwavering grace.

 

Susan was born October 12, 1951 in Pittsburgh PA, the middle daughter to Barbara (Sherman) and Robert Klein. She spent most of her childhood in Altoona PA where her father and grandfather owned Brett’s Department Store. After graduating from college, she worked as a legal secretary in Princeton, NJ and then for a top law firm in NYC. Susan developed an enduring love for New York City and her dream of retiring there became a reality in 2016.

 

Susan began dating the love of her life, husband Derrick, 49 years ago in Long Beach Island, N.J. Deeply in love and inseparable, they were married in 1976 in Altoona, PA. Their two children were born on January 31st, three years apart – Ryan Robert (1979) and Lindsay Brett (1982). Susan was unendingly proud of Ryan & Lindsay; and her infinite supply of unconditional love for her children and four young grandsons remains unsurpassed. Susan’s primary focus was always her family, and was the “glue” that held them together. Driven to keep them out of harm’s way, Susan worried over and took care of them all until the end.

 

Susan was a person of rare character and charm. Elegant and refined yet down to earth and genuine, Susan lit up every room she entered. Especially warm and compassionate toward others, people seemed naturally drawn to her. Susan was often surprised by the impact she had on others. Selfless to a fault, she purposely put others first, treating everyone equally regardless of their status in life. Susan has instilled these qualities in her family and her graceful spirit will live on in the souls of her children and grandsons.

 

Susan despised injustice, becoming politically engaged at a young age. She worked on many political campaigns and managed the ‘Obama For President’ Field Office in Reading, PA beginning in 2007. Susan also possessed a rare talent for interior design. Her elegant taste and timeless style were evident in the beautiful spaces she created over the years. Susan was also an accomplished homemaker, cook and consummate host, working hard to make “special memories”, particularly during the holidays. A shrewd card player, Susan took great joy in nights spent with family and friends playing “boys vs. girls” canasta.

 

A fervent Penn State football fan, thanks to her dad, Susan attended many games in person. She later inspired this devotion in her own children, both of whom attended Penn State University.
Dogs held a very special place in Susan’s life. She bestowed overwhelming love and care on the many dogs lucky enough to have found her. Beginning with her beloved Whiskey, Susan deeply loved and spoiled them all – Sparky, Daisy, Paisley, Piper and most recently, Lucy, her little 8-year-old she rescued from Texas in 2019.

 

Susan is survived by her adoring husband of 46 years, Derrick J. Luppino; her mother, Barbara Klein of Arlington VA; her 2 children Ryan Robert Luppino, his wife Stephanie, grandsons Sean Thomas and Tyler Anthony Luppino of Centerport, NY and Lindsay Luppino Krasnica, her husband David, grandsons Ben Derrick and Peter David Krasnica of Hoboken, NJ; her sisters Ellen Klein Weiss of New York, NY and Jodie Klein Reznikoff of Arlington, VA; her father-in law Dr. Anthony V. Luppino of Teaneck, NJ and sisters-in-law Dr. Natalie Luppino Bauer of West Orange, NJ and Andrea Luppino Cooke of Hellertown, PA.

 

An incredibly loving wife, mother, “Gram”, daughter and sister. Her shoes cannot be filled.

 

The drums are still.
The battle is done.

 

Finally free of worry and pain.

 

Though life will go on without her, it will never be the same. She will forever be in our hearts.

 

May you rest in peace, Susan.

 

A private celebration/remembrance for family will take place at her NYC apartment in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation to be made to www.RescueDogsRockNYC, a wonderful organization that brought Susan her beloved Rescue, ‘LUCY’ Luppino. In the notes of their donation page, please write “In Memory of Susan Luppino”.