Suzanne McHugh Piscitello

Suzanne McHugh Piscitello died peacefully on October 31, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, aged 84. Suzanne was born in Lawrence, and with the exception of four years spent at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), lived in the city her entire life. She earned a master’s degree in education at Salem State University and began her career as a middle school math teacher at the Bruce School. With a passion for ensuring equal opportunity for all, Suzanne later led the development of Lawrence’s Title I and English as a Second Language programs, mentored numerous students and young educators, and eventually served as assistant superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools. Her public service continued following retirement from the school district. During that time, she was elected to serve on the Lawrence School Committee and served for 50 years on the board of the Lawrence Public Library. Her other professional calling was Canobie Gifts, a family business started by her parents, Frank and Mary McHugh. Summer ’24 marked the 75th she worked at Canobie Lake Park. Generations of young staffers learned not only retail skills from Suzanne, but how to relish life the way she did. Work hard, believe in yourself, love with your whole heart—that’s how Suzanne rolled. No one knew this better than her family. She adored her daughter Dr. Mary Piscitello Mercer, of San Francisco, and Mary’s husband Thomas McClary Mercer III, and her grandchildren Isabel and Sam Mercer. She cherished her older brother, Dr. Paul R McHugh of Baltimore. She never stopped missing her late husband Ignatius RJ Piscitello, her sister Ellen McHugh LaFollette, and her sister-in-law “Annie” Piscitello Merolla. A superlative aunt, she became the Great Suzanne to her flock of grand- nieces and nephews in the extended McHugh, LaFollette, Ryan, Horn, Koegel, Lasswell, and Burch families. She was proud to join the large Piscitello clan upon marriage, and her close friendship with niece Dr. Jo-Ann Merolla Sipple and husband Dr. William Sipple, endured to her final hours. Bobby Hurley, her friend and neighbor, was a constant support. She is also pre-deceased by sister-in-law Jean Barlow McHugh of Baltimore and sisters-in-law Angelina and Nancy Piscitello, Mary Lessard, brother-in-law, Victor Piscitello, and nephew Domenic Piscitello of Lawrence. While crushed by her loss, those who loved Suzanne trust God now to care for her, and we give thanks for her ebullient and indomitable spirit. Visiting hours at Breen Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA: Thursday, November 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Friday, November 15 at 11 am, Rev. John F. Dello Russo, OSA, will offer a Celebration of Life Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 128 Ames Street, Lawrence, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library :https://www.lawrencefreelibrary.org/DocumentCenter/View/309/Friends-of-the-Library-Application-PDF?bidId= Francis Paul McHugh Scholarship Fund: https://glcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3907. (a fund in honor of Frank McHugh) or to any religious, non-sectarian, or earth- conservation charity will be much appreciated.

Suzanne McHugh Piscitello

October 25, 1940 - October 31, 2024