Jack Dempsey Sustic

SUSTIC, Jack Dempsey - age 95, of Lennon, passed away November 12, 2024. Jack spent his final days surrounded by friends and family, and received wonderful care from Gentiva Hospice and the staff at The Landings of Genesee Valley. Jack was born on March 4th, 1929 to Raymond & Edith (Peterson) Sustic in Corry, PA. He was the third of five children. He graduated from high school in Franklinville, NY. Jack was a Veteran of WWII serving in the Navy aboard the USS March. He married Marlene Yvonne King in Arcade, NY on September 14, 1949. They had five sons and moved to Hartland, Michigan in 1963. Eventually they moved north to Lennon, Michigan where he lived for over 30 years. His love for horses began at a young age, and it led to a lifelong career in harness racing. He cared for, trained, and drove many horses over the years, but his beloved horse Belmont Tuxedo “Tux” was his most cherished of all. He had 16 straight wins and held many track records for several years. He also had many faithful canine companions over the years: Duke, Bear, Rocket, and one he tolerated for his wife: Gidget. He met many dear friends through his work in the barn, Steve & Tammy, Greg & Jennifer, and others who became woven into the Sustic family over the years. Although horses were his main focus, he also worked in a number of other jobs as well. He was the founder and editor for Horse Illustrated magazine, co-owned a pizzeria for a brief time, and ran a print shop. He was known for his quiet hard work, not one to turn down a dare in his younger years, and that twinkle in his eye was evidence of his sense of humor. If you were a victim of his teasing or practical jokes, that meant he loved you. Preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Marlene Yvonne (King) Sustic, his grandson Thomas William Sustic, his beloved horse Tux, and his brother Raymond Sustic, brother Dick Sustic, and sister Myrtle Sustic. He is survived by 5 sons; Mark (Deborah Travis) Sustic, Ken (Sandy) Sustic, Kevin Sustic, Dan (Zulmira) Sustic, and Jack (Jung) Sustic. 6 grandchildren; Janel Gryc, Matt (Nicole) Sustic, Ryan (Renee) Sustic, Daniel Sustic Jr., Kyle Sustic, and Maggie (Marc) Baugess. 11 great-grandchildren; Sebastian Tocco, Ken Gryc, Lorelei Sustic, Tessa Gryc, Colby Sustic, Hannah Sustic, Charlotte Sustic, Autumn Sustic, Nixon Sustic, Jack Sustic III, and Ada Sustic. 2 brothers in law Joe (Karen) King, Gary (Kari) King, and many nieces, nephews, and dear family friends, especially Steve & Tammy Harrington, Greg & Jennifer Henderson, and Lana Chase Orrison. And sister, Shirley Schryver. A graveside service and celebration of life will be held next spring. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com