Remembering Marc Anthony Susi...
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"Marc Susi and His '51 Chevy Pick-up Truck"
written by Fran McKinnon for Horizons AAA, October 2013 issue
As a very young boy, my son, Marc Susi, loved taking things apart and putting them back together again. He was constantly working on his remote-controlled cars, go-carts, and bikes. In 1988, at the age of fourteen, marc spotted an old 1951 Chevy Pick-up in a junk yard; it was all in pieces. Knowing Marc, the junk dealer gave it to him. For three years, between school, hockey, a job, and helping friends with their cars, Marc worked on his truck. Back then, it wasn't easy getting information, yet Marc managed to find the original manual and bought parts from all around the country. His Christmas list consisted of headlights, mirrors, fenders, etc. He sat countless hours on a milk crate in our small one-car garage, sanding and polishing the various parts. Only the best was used.
In the spring of 1992 at the age of seventeen, Marc died in a swimming accident. The truck remained in our garage for ten years and was never touched.
Our mechanic, Bob, asked if he could come by and look at the truck. He was amazed. The engine was all chrome with stainless steel nuts and bolts. Bob said he'd like to complete the restoration, that marc had already done the hardest part. My husband, Tom, son, Frank, and I were thrilled. Bob would buy a new battery; if the engine started, he could finish Marc's work. My heart sank. I felt that I had let Marc down by never starting the trick for all those years.
When Bob tried the new battery, the truck started right up! Marc had done such a good job that his winterizing had lasted ten years. After a year or so, Bob and his friend, Phil, completed the restoration. It was breathtaking. Since then, Marc's truck has won numerous awards at the World of Wheels and at antique car shows. Each year Bob drives the truck in Quincy's Christmas parade, and we proudly display it at Marc's memorial golf tournament every year.
We miss Marc every day. But every time we look at the stunning red pickup truck we see Marc's big beautiful smile.
In the spring of 1992 at the age of seventeen, Marc died in a swimming accident. The truck remained in our garage for ten years and was never touched.
Our mechanic, Bob, asked if he could come by and look at the truck. He was amazed. The engine was all chrome with stainless steel nuts and bolts. Bob said he'd like to complete the restoration, that marc had already done the hardest part. My husband, Tom, son, Frank, and I were thrilled. Bob would buy a new battery; if the engine started, he could finish Marc's work. My heart sank. I felt that I had let Marc down by never starting the trick for all those years.
When Bob tried the new battery, the truck started right up! Marc had done such a good job that his winterizing had lasted ten years. After a year or so, Bob and his friend, Phil, completed the restoration. It was breathtaking. Since then, Marc's truck has won numerous awards at the World of Wheels and at antique car shows. Each year Bob drives the truck in Quincy's Christmas parade, and we proudly display it at Marc's memorial golf tournament every year.
We miss Marc every day. But every time we look at the stunning red pickup truck we see Marc's big beautiful smile.
In 1991
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2002, fully restored
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