Bennett Joy Sukonick, 91, a Denver native, passed away May 24, 2012, in Glen Allen, Va. A memorial service was held at his home on May 24. The next day, the family attended Shabbat services at his synagogue, Beth Ahabah in Richmond, Va.
Close friends and relatives celebrated his life on May 26 at his home.
His middle name, Joy, typified his life, the family said. A man with a sharp, irreverent wit and a propensity for storytelling, he was known as Peepah in our extended family.
He greatly enjoyed music, politics and a well-made 5 p.m. martini.
Born on Oct. 16, 1920, in Denver, Mr. Sukonick graduated from South High School. In 1940 he married Rose Pasternack. They were married for 55 years until her death in 1995.
Mr. Sukonick graduated from CU in 1944 with a degree in economics. He later received an MA while attending the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.
During his 30-year career with the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon, Mr. Sukonick was assigned to the Middle East and other adventerous locales.
He often said he was twice blessed when he married his second wife, Shirley Coplon, in 2000. They were married for 12 years and resided in Richmond.
Mr. Sukonick is survived by his wife Shirley Coplon Sukonick; daughter Karen (Dick) Williams of Massachusetts and son Steve (Ellyn) Sukonick of Richmond; step-daughters Claudia (Steve) Clements and Marsha Coplon; sisters Eileen Stager and Betty (Morris) Brown of Denver; grandchildren Dan Williams, Adam Sukonick and Jodi Sukonick; and nieces Rose Stager and Cathy Scott of Denver and nephews Richard (Pam) Stager and Mark (Ruth) Brown of Denver.
Contributions may be made to the University of Colorado.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
