Tom Succop leaves nature, architecture, philanthropy legacy behind
Thomas C. Succop’s community efforts spread far and wide, ranging from involvement in local education and boards of local businesses to supporting environmental initiatives in Canada and Haiti.
Succop, the man who donated his family’s land to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania to create Succop Nature Park, is not only described by family members as someone who served his neighbors and community — he is considered a great father, husband and friend.
“He was the kind of dad to build snow forts, to take long walks in the leaves, and on a rainy day play Monopoly with all of us,” said his daughter, Meg Adams. “In the mornings, I was greeted by him with bear hugs and cinnamon toast.”
Succop, who died Monday, June 8, at the age of 89, leaves behind a legacy that includes extensive work in nature, architecture and giving back to others.
“My father thought deeply about communities and the natural environment. He was especially excited when designing and planting with local communities — working side-by-side on projects. These interests have helped to shape who my sisters and I are today,” said Amy Millin, another one of his daughters.
His roots are in Butler — he was born at Butler Memorial Hospital in 1937. After graduating from Hamilton College in New York, serving four years as a naval officer in the Caribbean and completing his duty with the Navy, Succop attended the University of Michigan Graduate School of Landscape Architecture, where he met his wife, Jo Ann.
After their marriage in 1966, the Succop’s moved to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, where Succop served as a master planner for the Canadian National Parks. He went on to specialize in residential design and college campus work for over 30 years.
His legacy includes going to great efforts to preserve green spaces. This includes his support of the Haiti Timber Re-Introduction Program, an agroforestry program affiliated with the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. He would make multiple trips a year.
“Tom’s passion for walking, nature, and gardening was passed to the family,” Jo Ann, Succop’s wife of 59 years, said.
In Butler County, his name will always be attached to Succop Nature Park, where there are 99 species of trees along with ponds and trails for community members to take in the beauty of nature.
“For the Audubon of Western Pa., he and his family have certainly been (among) our most impactful supporters,” said Chris Bason, its executive director. “They were so essential to us and instrumental to us acquiring a site that has become a public facility for nature education.”
The property was a farm that initially belonged to Succop’s parents. About 50 acres with 2 miles of trails, is it available for recreation and public access 365 days a year.
“We’ve educated 3,000 individuals in nature-based education every year. That’s all because of Tom and his generosity, his deep appreciation for and connection with nature,” Bason said.
Beyond nature, Succop’s service on various boards included being vice chair of Butler County Community College’s Foundation Board. The Succop Theater is another symbol of his legacy.
“Thomas Succop was a valued member of the BC3 Education Foundation Board of Directors, and we deeply appreciated his leadership, dedication, and commitment to Butler County Community College and the students we serve,” a statement from the community college said. “Tom’s impact on BC3 will be felt for years to come.
“The Succop Theater stands as a lasting reminder of the Succop family’s generosity and commitment to our community, and his legacy will continue to be remembered on our campus.”
Jo Ann said Succop said Tom was most proud of his family, and should be remembered “as a generous, kind, and creative man who cared about all humankind.”
