In Memory of Roger Susanin

Remembering Roger

A Life Remembered

Roger David Susanin, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on July 30, 2026.

Born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Anna Susanin, Roger was the eighth of eight children and the sixth of six sons. He attended Pennsylvania State University before enrolling at Dickinson School of Law. His legal studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. Roger served two six-month tours in Vietnam, rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. After returning home, he resumed his studies at Dickinson, where he graduated Order of the Coif.

Following law school, Roger moved to Philadelphia and built a successful labor and employment law firm that continues to bear his name. Roger was a member of the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States Supreme Court, and numerous federal district courts and circuit courts throughout the country. During his career, Roger served as chief spokesperson in hundreds of labor negotiations and earned a national reputation as a highly effective and respected negotiator.

In 1979, Roger married Helene McGuinn, his beloved wife of more than 47 years and partner in all things. Together they raised three children: Audrey, Roger John, and Lizzie. When Lizzie was diagnosed with autism at age three, Roger and Helene became passionate advocates for their daughter and other individuals with autism. Their advocacy helped establish Mission for Educating Children with Autism (MECA), whose programs include Preparing Adolescents & Adults for Life (PAAL), which has grown into one of the most respected autism transition programs in southeastern Pennsylvania.

A lifelong Penn State fan, Roger rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Nittany Lions. He especially loved loading up his RV to tailgate at Penn State football games and embark on adventures across the country with family and friends. An enthusiastic traveler, Roger visited 49 of the 50 United States and took particular joy in exploring America’s National Parks, whose beauty and grandeur never ceased to inspire him.

Roger will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strength, grace, good humor, and his unmistakable sense of occasion. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting mark on his family, his profession, and the many lives he touched. Roger is survived by his wife, Helene; his children, Audrey, Roger John, and Lizzie; his daughter-in-law, Stephanie Simoni; his adored grandchildren, Genevieve and Roger Wesley Susanin and Annabelle Saunders; his brother, John A. Susanin; and 29 nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Anna Susanin; his in-laws, John and Helene McGuinn; his sisters, Marguerite Kelley and Elaine Looby; and his brothers, Ed, Andre, Ernie, and Butch Susanin.

Relatives and friends are invited to Roger’s visitation on Saturday September 12th at 10:00 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM both in the Church at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 1325 Boot Rd, West Chester, PA 19380.

In lieu of flowers or planting a tree, the family asks that donations be made in Roger’s memory to MECA / PAAL.