Edward J. Todd
February 12th, 1937 - September 17th, 2023
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Edward's Obituary
Edward J. Todd passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2023. He was born on February 12, 1937 and spent his early years in Muskegon Heights. In 1947, he and his parents moved to St. Joseph. His stepfather, Paul Suchovsky, established a distribution business named West Michigan Wholesale in St. Joseph and invested in real estate. Ed worked side by side with Paul and gained his keen business acumen from this experience.
While growing up in St. Joseph, Ed attended St. Joseph Public Schools and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1954. He was a proud member of the 1953 State Champion basketball team coached by Ray Haack. He attended Benton Harbor Junior College, now Lake Michigan College, earning his associate degree and then attended Western Michigan University graduating with a degree in business administration.
Ed loved to tell stories about his time as a college student, particularly playing on the men’s basketball team. Ed also recalled being a member of the Varsity Club and playing cards in the old basement boiler room. He loved hanging out with his friends and cruising in his beloved car affectionately called “My Merry Oldsmobile 88” with its 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 engine. Legend has it that it was the fastest car in town!
Todd spent his career continuing to grow the family’s business and eventually became one of the community’s most impactful philanthropists. His generosity was profound, especially in funding charities for animal welfare, public schools, sports, and music.
Ed endowed six - $5,000 scholarships in perpetuity for students graduating from St. Joseph High School pursuing degrees in business. The recipients always enjoyed meeting Ed so that they could graciously thank him. He also funded scholarships for Western Michigan University students. Other notable projects included the Edward J. Todd Innovation Center at St. Joseph High School, which houses the district’s robotics program and the Edward J. Todd Center for Business, Education & Information Technology at Lake Michigan College. Ed also loved supporting the mission and events of St. Joe Today, including his favorite event, BBQ, Blues, & Bluegrass.
Ed was presented the first ever Distinguished Philanthropy Award from the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation in 2014 for his exemplary support and patronage of St. Joseph Public Schools. The SJPS Board of Education also named the new media center, The Paul and Rose Suchovsky Media Center, at the request of Ed to honor his parents.
Ed was preceded in death by his grandparents, Martin and Suzanna Praskac; parents, Paul and Rose Suchovsky; special friend, Debbie Glover and aunts, Anne Praskac, Susan Jarka, Mildred Lusky and Christine Praskac. He and Christine were particularly close and Ed lovingly cared for her in her final years. Ed is survived by many friends including, special caregivers, Kylene Zech and James Busby.
Visitation will take place at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles rd., St. Joseph, MI on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1860 E. Hile Road, Muskegon, MI 49444.
Memorial donations may be made to Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Muskegon. Those wishing to send condolences or sign the guest book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
While growing up in St. Joseph, Ed attended St. Joseph Public Schools and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1954. He was a proud member of the 1953 State Champion basketball team coached by Ray Haack. He attended Benton Harbor Junior College, now Lake Michigan College, earning his associate degree and then attended Western Michigan University graduating with a degree in business administration.
Ed loved to tell stories about his time as a college student, particularly playing on the men’s basketball team. Ed also recalled being a member of the Varsity Club and playing cards in the old basement boiler room. He loved hanging out with his friends and cruising in his beloved car affectionately called “My Merry Oldsmobile 88” with its 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 engine. Legend has it that it was the fastest car in town!
Todd spent his career continuing to grow the family’s business and eventually became one of the community’s most impactful philanthropists. His generosity was profound, especially in funding charities for animal welfare, public schools, sports, and music.
Ed endowed six - $5,000 scholarships in perpetuity for students graduating from St. Joseph High School pursuing degrees in business. The recipients always enjoyed meeting Ed so that they could graciously thank him. He also funded scholarships for Western Michigan University students. Other notable projects included the Edward J. Todd Innovation Center at St. Joseph High School, which houses the district’s robotics program and the Edward J. Todd Center for Business, Education & Information Technology at Lake Michigan College. Ed also loved supporting the mission and events of St. Joe Today, including his favorite event, BBQ, Blues, & Bluegrass.
Ed was presented the first ever Distinguished Philanthropy Award from the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation in 2014 for his exemplary support and patronage of St. Joseph Public Schools. The SJPS Board of Education also named the new media center, The Paul and Rose Suchovsky Media Center, at the request of Ed to honor his parents.
Ed was preceded in death by his grandparents, Martin and Suzanna Praskac; parents, Paul and Rose Suchovsky; special friend, Debbie Glover and aunts, Anne Praskac, Susan Jarka, Mildred Lusky and Christine Praskac. He and Christine were particularly close and Ed lovingly cared for her in her final years. Ed is survived by many friends including, special caregivers, Kylene Zech and James Busby.
Visitation will take place at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles rd., St. Joseph, MI on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1860 E. Hile Road, Muskegon, MI 49444.
Memorial donations may be made to Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Muskegon. Those wishing to send condolences or sign the guest book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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