Donald Zanger Sussman

Don passed away on December 28, 2020 after battling challenging medical issues in the last 14 months of his life. He was born on February 13, 1941, in New York City to Lillian Klein and Milton Zanger. A bright student fascinated by both tech and art, Don’s professional career began in lighting design in New York theatre productions as well as early computer technology. Don’s twenties found him traveling to Europe and Japan, as well as being a witness to the first night of the Stonewall riots in New York City. In his early thirties, Don attended Fordham University and completed both a BA and then an MA in social work. A post graduate year was spent at the Psychoanalytic Institute of New York. In 1985, Don followed his mother and step-father, Morris Sussman, to California and settled in San Mateo. This same year he began a long and esteemed career as the Clinical Director at the Peninsula Offices of Jewish Family and Children’s Services. By 2012, when he retired from JFCS, Don had hired and mentored many therapists who valued his leadership and clinical wisdom. As well, he was appreciated by many clients for his kind and thoughtful counsel. Through the years Don kept a part-time private practice in San Mateo where he continued work until 2018. An avid hiker of California trails and Western US National Parks, Don’s cars were adorned with the plate “O2HIKE.” An amateur chef, Don was known to collect many kitchen gadgets as he created many dishes including his signature beer stew. Don was a man of fewer words, always used with purpose and empathy. He adored reading and had a fascination for atmospheric history and conditions. Don is predeceased by his loving mother, Lillian, father, Milton, Zanger, and step-father, Morris Sussman. He leaves a close and devoted circle of friends, including Don Mariacher, Bernie Borok, and long-time friends and colleagues from JFCS. Per his wishes, Don was cremated and buried at sea. In his honor, he would want you to extend kindness to others, and spend an afternoon hiking to give thanks for the beauty of our California nature…… O2HIKE. Rest In Peace, Don! May his memory be a blessing!