John Tussing, Jr.

John Alexander Tussing, Jr.  February 25, 1933 – October 29, 2023 (age 90)

John Alexander Tussing, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on October, 29, 2023, with his family by his side, at 90 years of age.

John was a native to Catonsville MD, born on February 25, 1933 to John and Sallie (Staas) Tussing and was the older brother to George Frederick Thomas Tussing. John graduated from Catonsville High School (CHS) class of 1951 and remained life-long friends with many of his classmates. He attained the Eagle Scout rank from Troop 399 and as an adult served as the Scoutmaster to the troop teaching the next generation of scouts about outdoor adventuring, community service, and life skills. During college, John joined ROTC, played lacrosse for the University of Maryland College Park and earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. With Professional Engineering certification, he dedicated his 30-year long career as a second-generation structural engineer to overseeing the design and safety of bridges and dams working for the US Army Corps of Engineers. John married his high school sweetheart Betty Mason in 1956 and was a loving father to their three daughters and went on to be a loving grandfather and great-grandfather to their children. Following his wife’s passing in 1997, John re-married a CHS classmate and then-widow Betty (Barnes) Szymanski in 2001 and they lovingly spent their golden years together in Catonsville and in the past seven years as part of the Charlestown Community. John was a devout Christian and served in various capacities over his lifetime at St. Timothy’s, St. Peter’s, and St. Mark’s churches. In his spare time, John enjoyed the outdoors: a member of the Ornithological Society, birdwatching along walking trails by day and observing stars by night, even using them for navigation at times. During the winter months, John enjoyed working on his model railroad system and operating it for his grandchildren. He was honored with the Volunteer Lifetime Service Award for his many years at the B&O Railroad Mount Clare and Ellicott City stations serving as a tour guide and assisting with the restoration of historic train engines and railway cars. 

John is predeceased by his parents John and Sallie (Staas) Tussing, first wife Betty (Mason) Tussing, brother George Frederick Thomas Tussing, and is survived by his wife Betty (Szymanski) Tussing, daughters Cheryl Tussing, Linda Bennighof (Jeff), Angela Campbell (Neil), 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepson Bert Szymanski (Sharon), stepdaughter Betsy Keller (Mike), 5 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering followed by a memorial service will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Charlestown in Catonsville on Friday November 3, 2023 from 10:00 am until 10:30 am. Mass will begin at 10:30 am. Interment St. John's Cemetery (Ellicott City.) In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in John’s memory to Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Charlestown.

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