Henry J. Sustakoski

Henry J. Sustakoski        “beloved uncle”

KENMORE, N.Y.---Henry J. “Hank” Sustakoski, 89, of Kenmore, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, in Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home, Clarence, after a long illness.

Born on January 12, 1929 in Wayne, he was a son of John and Stella Drozd Sustakoski.

Henry graduated from Hammondsport High School, class of 1947, in Hammondsport.  In 1952, he graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.

He taught English until he was drafted in the U.S. Army where he served from 1954 to 1956 as the Post newspaper editor at Fort Myers, Virginia.  From 1956 to 1961 he resumed teaching English and Journalism at the Akron Junior-Senior High School in Akron. 

In 1961, Henry went to graduate school at the University of Buffalo where he earned a doctorate in Linguistics.  He won a scholarship for directing a research project in the application of Linguistics for high school and college levels.  This was the best research proposal ever received under President Kennedy’s Project English Program.  An English textbook was the result of this research project.  In 1964, Henry became a professor at Buffalo State University where he taught English and Linguistics and became Chairman of the English Department, retiring in 1995.

Henry was Catholic by faith.  He enjoyed his sports cars and traveling abroad, especially to Poland where he visited his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Surviving are three nieces, Jerri Olmstead, Janet Dunsmore, and Helen Payne, all of Shinglehouse, Pa.; four nephews, Larry Phillips of Springboro, Pa., Alan (Helen) Sustakoski of Morgantown, WV, Rick (Linda) Sustakoski of Pittsburgh, Pa and Ron (Chris) Sustakoski of Roanoke, Va.; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, Henry was predeceased by a sister, Jennie Phillips; two brothers, Edward Sustakoski and Charles Sustakoski; and a grandnephew, Bradley Phillips.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside funeral service at 11am on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, with the Rev. Thomas Brown, pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Shinglehouse, Pa., officiating.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Tuesday in the cemetery.

Henry’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Henry, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com