Click here to read how Dr. Fun impacted teachers and students.

When I first started at MS 74 in October of 1999, Mr. Sussman (AKA Dr. Fun) was one of the first people that I met.  He had an uncanny ability to make people feel welcome and comfortable and we quickly developed a friendship.  Through our shared love of basketball...he was the girls team coach and I coached the boys, we spent much time together.  We planned and played in staff vs. staff basketball, volleyball and softball games against the other local schools and it was always clear that Dr. Fun was well loved by all in this district.

I do not have a  most favorite moment when it comes to Mr. Sussman because, true to his name, it was always a fun time to be around him.  He was a good friend and co-worker and will truly be missed by all of TEAM 74.  Mostly, this is a huge loss for the students at MS 74....there is a sense of something missing and I hope that it one day can be filled up again with the "spirit" of Dr. Fun.

Rest in Peace

Mr. Gallagher

    I am so grief stricken about the passing of my friend, Richard Sussman. To many of you, he was affectionately known as Dr. Fun. To me, he was far more. He was my true friend - someone who was compassionate when I was unhappy and overjoyed when I was at peace with life. I have know Richard 22 years - he was one of my first friends when I came to 74. I admired him so much for his positive outlook on life and always understanding that having fun was a crucial component of living. He was a bright light to all who knew him. As someone who was so involved in the happiness of others, he is truly irreplaceable. While his bright light

has been extinguished from this earth, his torch has been passed on to all of us. His are impossible shoes to fill, but if we can take his philosophy of how to enjoy everyday, than we will be fulfilling his legacy. I will love him and miss him always.

Mrs. Printz

It is with great sadness that I say we have lost a beloved staff member here at Middle School 74. Mr. Sussman, best known as Dr. Fun has passed away. Dr. Fun played a major role within Team 74 and will be missed. As one of the Physical Education Teacher's at Middle School 74, I can say that Dr. Fun has led his Girls Basketball Team to many championship victories and was known by all students in the building. Dr. Fun was a tremendous help during the award ceremony for class 892. He would DJ the event and introduce each student as they entered the gymnasium, while announcing accomplishments each student had made during the school year. Mr. Sussman truly made the school day fun for students and will be missed by all.

   Mr. Behnke

The Man the Myth the Legend Dr. Fun

     Dr. Fun was definitely not an ordinary person. He was truly a superhero. Mr. Sussman had this magic power were when he communicated with others and a smile was always present. For 25 years he was the only one who had the magic powers to energize TEAM 74. Who else would go around the building handing out candy, prizes, stickers and put a smile on everyone’s face with the funny costumes he would wear? The one and only Dr. Fun! Who else would call out birthdays every Wednesday and hand out prizes to the winners? Again THE ONE AND ONLY Dr. Fun! Mr. Sussman not only did these things to put smiles on the kids faces but, he did it to bring positive vibes ALL AROUND THE SCHOOL. Not only was he all about FUN, he was competitive also. He coached the girls’ basketball team and boy do they have much love for him! He was the key to the student and staff basketball game. Mr. Sussman would always say, “get it on your calendar, May ___ student/faculty basketball.”  And then comes his famous pictures. If Dr. Fun laid eyes on you and you see his famous camera, you better pose really quick because that picture would be taken less the a second. You would say “I wasn’t ready?!” Well with his magic powers, his pictures came out better than a professional.  

And the biggest mystery that will always remain, WHERE DOES ONE GET A DOCTORIT IN FUN?!?!?!?!

Ms. Kushner and Fernando Sladky