Theodore S. Suchoski

Ret. Maj. USAF Theodore S. Suchoski, 91, of Southington, beloved husband of Jane (Nozaki) Suchoski, passed away on Monday morning January 29, 2024 at Southington Care Center where he received excellent care and comfort over the course of the last year. Ted was born in Meriden on June 15, 1932 and was the son of the late Stanley and Antoinette (Mase) Suchoski. He attended schools in Meriden and also Teacher’s College in New Britain (now CCSU) before enlisting in the Air Force in 1953. He subsequently graduated from the University of Omaha. Ted’s military accomplishments were many. They include the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying missions over Ho Chi Minh in Laos, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam service Medal with seven battle stars, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. During his time with the Air Force, he flew 837 combat missions and was decorated with 10 air medals. He also was a C-130 Aircraft Commander, and instructor pilot, flying combat missions in Vietnam, including night search and destroy missions. These missions saved countless American lives during the war. In 1973, Ted retired from the Air Force as a Major. Upon retirement from the military, Ted began the next phase of life as a civilian which he embraced. He worked at Operations Manager at G.E. Madison’s department store in town. After, he managed the American Eagle Truck Stop and Travel Center and EconoLodge for many years. In his leisure time Ted loved woodworking, yard work and corresponding with his graduate class of 54-H. He was also a very accomplished photographer. On Friday nights for several years, you could find Ted and his wife Jane at the Manor Inn enjoying a drink and a nice dinner. Besides his wife of 64 years, Jane, Ted is survived by his daughter Joanne Fabrycki and her husband Edward of Southington and also by two grandchildren; Nina Catherine Fabrycki of Port St. Lucie, FL and Edward Pierce Fabrycki III of Southington. He is also survived by his sister, Marion Burrows of Schenectady, NY along with his two nephews Robert Burrows and Peter Burrows also of Schenectady, NY. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Craig Bogdanski for his years of care, advocacy and commitment to Ted’s well-being and also to the many nurses, nurses aids and staff at Southington Care Center. Mass of Christian burial for Ted will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Mary Our Queen Church, 246 Savage St., Southington, CT 06489. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery (New Section) on 209 Belleview Ave. Southington, CT 06489. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington, CT 06489. Should friends desire, contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675. For directions or to leave an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com.