Domenico "Dom" Cusano Sr

Rotterdam - Mr. Domenico “Dom” Cusano, Sr., age 90, of Greenpoint Ave., Town of Rotterdam, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady. He was born on February 20, 1932, in Ruviano, Province of Caserta, Italy, son of the late Pasquale and Vincenza (Cusano) Perretta, and educated in schools in Italy. Dom Sr. came to America as a young man, looking to follow the American Dream to create a better life for not only himself, but for all of his family. He was joined in marriage with Frances P. DeMeo on February 16, 1958, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Schenectady; a blessed and loving union of 64 years. Mr. Cusano was last employed as a Local 157 union laborer where he joined in 1962, he worked with Wade Lupe Contracting, Schenectady, retiring in 1991. Following his retirement, he had remained a proud union member giving him over 60 years of dedicated service. He was of the Catholic faith. Dom was a longtime member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge. Dom was a self-taught, talented artist and his many creations could be seen displayed proudly throughout his yard. His statues will be remembered by many. He was a committed man whose word was his bond, with manifesting love to each and every one of his family members. He was a source of strength and a foundation for those near to him to lean on. Dom was an honorable man, one you could count on. He was proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed passing these traditions on to his family. Dom loved the times spent with his German Shepherds. Many knew Dom as the man always walking his dogs throughout Rotterdam. In his later years, when not working around the house or in his garden, he loved to walk or bike around town and of course frequent the casino on weekends. Survivors include his beloved family; his wife, Frances; his daughter, Anna Maria Cusano of Vernon; his son, Domenico “Dom” Cusano, Jr. (Kimmie Gargano) and their children, Selena and Edmund Gargano of Rexford; his siblings, Mary (Louis) Miranda, Joann (Romeo) Niro, Angela DiCocco, Joseph (Eileen) Perretta and Ida (David) Tessiore, all of Schenectady; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in law, Carol Cusano. Also surviving is his feline companion, Harley. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Elizabeth (John) Anastasio and Maurice Cusano. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 9-11 am. The Rotterdam Elks Lodge #2157 will conduct ritualistic services in Dom’s honor at 10:30 at the funeral home on Saturday. A funeral service will follow commencing at 12 noon from Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, where entombment will take place.