Mr. John B. Fusco Jr.

Mr. John B. Fusco, Jr., age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on Nov 16, 1926, John was the son of the late John B., Sr. and Rose (Zegarelli) Fusco. He also knew the guidance and love of his step-mother, Antoinette Pizzute-Fusco. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of the United States Army, John honorably served his country during World War II in the European Theater of Operations with the Blue Devils in the 88th Infantry Division at the border zone between Italy and Yugoslavia during the Axis invasion of which he spoke very little, sharing only stories of the good people he met. After WWII, John attended refrigeration school in New York City, and established John’s Refrigeration; a career that led him to the ‘fateful’ service call in a kitchen in East Utica where he met the love of his life, Angie. John and the former Angeline Trivieri were joined in the Sacrament of Marriage on June 23, 1951, and just recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. It was dedication and unselfish love that led to their successful married life, and John’s priority of caring for his wife and their six children above all other interests. John began a second career at Utica Drop Forge, later known as Kelsey-Hayes Corp., Utica Division, as a highly skilled tool and die maker, a position he held for 30 years. Here he worked designing and building tooling to create intricate parts for turbine engines, critical to the U.S. national defense. This work taught his children, by lessons of example, the importance of developing skills and taking great pride in everything they do. After retirement, John spent the next fifteen years operating a farm with Angeline in Deerfield, where they both enjoyed working with animals and being outdoors. Their entrepreneurial spirit has been passed on to their children and grandchildren who all remain industrious and enterprising. John was a man of integrity, very ingenious and engineering. He would do anything it took to get the job done, no matter the consequences to himself, all for the well-being of his family; never with complaint. He was always happy and liked to reminisce and converse about years past. He saw the best in others and made good and fair judgments. Evidence of his gracious nature was when he acquired a camp at Bradley Brook Reservoir in the town of Eaton, allowing his children the opportunity to leave the city each summer. It was there that he introduced them to nature, the love of water, and outdoor recreation. Special family dynamics served as opportunities for everyone to be together, as he would say was the “main thing.” John often recalled the memories of the times when he rode his Classic 1937 Harley Davidson Knucklehead. He loved his Catholic parish, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, a home where he honored God and attended holy Mass to the benefit of his mind and soul. John is survived by his beloved wife Angie; his six children, JoAnne Roberts and fiancé Russell Hughes of Whitesboro, John A. Fusco of Schenectady, Ronald E. Fusco of Newport, Daniel and Margaret Fusco of Deerfield, Mary Ellen and Frank Furgal of Binghamton, and Dr. Kathleen Fusco of Poland and her companion Steven Wilczek; and his grandchildren, Michelle Roberts, and Gregory Roberts; Dr. Lisa Fusco and fiancé Mark Brystry, Dr. Heidi Fusco, Adam Fusco and fiancée Carmella Prusko; Benjamin Fusco and fiancée Erika Wojtanowski, Luke Fusco, and their mother, Liz; Harrisen Fusco; Matthew Furgal, Maria Furgal; and Annalisa Fusco. He also leaves behind his sister, Philomena Broccoli; his step-sister, Mary Aiello; and his numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews to whom he was referred to as “Uncle Johnny”; and his in-laws, Marie Fusco of FL, Theresa Haddad, Nicholas and Marilyn Trivieri, all of Utica, Margaret and Frank Aiello of Naples, FL, Johanna and Rocco Giglio of Elkhart, IN, Gerald Trivieri of Scotia, NY, Lawrence and Joyce Trivieri of Stone Mountain, GA, and Frank Guardi of Richmond, VA. He was blessed with a longtime friendship with Gloria DeSantis which was founded on the 78 years that John shared with Gloria’s husband Vito “Nappy” DeSantis as best friends; both regarded as family. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Jerry and Juanita Fusco, and Angelo J. Fusco; and his in-laws, Antonio and Jennie Trivieri, Josephine Guardi, and Anthony J. Trivieri, Jr. The family felt grateful to Dr. Oleg Dulkin, for his presence at a most critical time; and the physicians, nurses, and staff of the Acute Emergency Care, Intensive Care Unit at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the dignity and compassionate care rendered to John. A special thank-you is extended to Fr. Joe Salerno, and all the extended family members who came together to give love, support, and prayers. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee Street. . Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes; envelopes will be available at the service. John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “We will miss him dearly. He was one of a kind.” .

Mr. John B. Fusco Jr.

November 16, 1926 - June 30, 2013