John William Clarence "Bill" Succop

March 9, 1947-January 25, 2025

John William Clarence Succop, better known as Bill—or "Zukes" to those lucky enough to really know him—passed away after a remarkable 77 years of life. His parents, William Gilbert and Gladys Marie (Deering) Succop, evidently unaware they'd have four more sons, exhausted the family tree by naming Bill after all the grandparents and their father. The younger brothers had to make do with leftovers.

Bill was married for almost 53 years to a city slicker who graciously tolerated his farm nostalgia. He cherished summers spent milking cows and bringing in the hay, all the while dreaming of roller bearings "as big as a room." During his professional life, Bill proudly served as Vice President and Treasurer of American Roller Bearing Inc.

An athlete with a need for speed, Bill broke track records at Shady Side Academy (a 4:28.6 mile), claiming he ran fast to stay ahead of five sisters. At Lehigh University, he continued his running career in cross country while earning a BS in Applied Science and a Master's in Metallurgical Engineering. He also gained a lifelong partner in crime with his Chi Psi brother, turned brother-in-law, Lt. Col. James R. Walton.

Golf was Bill's true passion, particularly at Oakmont Country Club. He wisely ditched his lawn mower, declaring yard work an unacceptable interference with his Saturday morning foursome.

On Halloween, his inner trickster emerged as he shamelessly accompanied his kids for candy while pocketing cold beers from generous neighbors. Christmas was also a magical time for Bill, largely because it gave him an excuse to play with his beloved Lionel trains and avoid any other Christmas responsibilities. He found crashing the trains infinitely more entertaining than just driving them—a tradition his kids fondly remember.

Bill was also famous for his unique brand of discipline with his kids, nieces, and nephews, warning them that misbehavior might earn them a one-way trip to the dreaded "Boogie Man's Oven." While no one quite knew where that oven was, the threat was enough to keep generations of kids in line.

Bill was endlessly fun to be around, a man whose wit and practical jokes left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He leaves behind his first wife, Nancy Walton Succop, three loving children Kimberly Walton Succop (Greg Maier), James William Succop, Stacey Miller Beale (Edwin Beale), and two grandchildren, Cameron William Beale and Callie Miller Beale. Bill is also survived by 6 siblings, 37 nieces and nephews, and many in-laws with whom he enjoyed lots of family wedding shenanigans and wild sailing adventures.

Bill's perseverance through long-term illness can only be attributed to 14 years of caregiving provided by his best friend, Joshua Scott Robinson. Josh is a compassionate and tireless advocate who kept Bill laughing through literally everything.

A gathering to honor Bill's life—and his uncanny ability to be the life of the party—will be held from 2:00 p.m. until prayer service at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., at 421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont, PA 15139 (https://www.burket-truby.com/). Share a laugh and remember Bill, the man who lived as big as his roller bearings, loved a good train wreck, and could turn even a Boogie Man threat into a cherished family memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's honor can be made to the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA, www.westernpa.hdsa.org) or to Lehigh University ( https://alumni.lehigh.edu/ways-give ).