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Joseph Kusko Obituary
Joseph Kusko, 87, passed away peacefully among family at Sacred Heart Senior Living on Friday, November 15, 2013. He was the loving husband of Mary Hreshko Kusko and celebrated 60 years of devoted marriage with her in August 2013. Born in Lansford, PA, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Maruschak) Kusko. He was predeceased by a younger sister, Mary, who died at the age of nine. Joseph graduated with a bachelors degree from Kutztown State and a Master of Arts from Columbia University. He was art supervisor for the District of Catasauqua and achieved a national award of Outstanding Secondary Educator of America while teaching for 32 years. Joseph was also the former director of the Lehigh Valley Art Alliance and initiated the high school art scholarship program for the Allentown Fairgrounds Association. For 30 years, he joyously served as a Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena Eucharistic Minister for various Lehigh Valley hospitals and nursing homes. Upon retirement, Joseph pursued his vocation of painting and sculpting, creating numerous works of art for private and public display. Later in life he also developed his passion for playing tennis at Oakmont Tennis Club with family and friends. Survivors: Joseph is survived by his wife; and three children, whom he dearly loved, James (wife, Cheryl), MaryAnn, and David (wife, Rebecca). Additionally he is survived by his grandchildren, Cara Reagan, Stephanie Cramer (husband, Andrew), Meghan, Rebecca, John, and Joseph; and great-grandchildren, Brian, Caleb, Aurora, and Kyle. Services: A Mass and Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Catharine of Siena on Monday, November 18, 2013, at 10 a.m. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements entrusted to the ODonnell Funeral Home, Allentown, PA. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to the American Cancer Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kusko
Barbara Vaughn Seth
December 5, 2013
Mr. Kusko, a great teacher and a real gentleman. He was my Art Teacher at Catty H.S.
Mike Peters
November 21, 2013
Jim, Mary Ann, Dave - I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I have a million great and warm memories of growing up with your family. Your dad was a unique and great guy who lived a full life and will surely be missed. I keep remembering all the paintings in the basement of the house whenever I was there. I am so sorry for your loss Marie (always Mrs. Kusko to me......). You are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Mike Peters
Lee Martin
November 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kusko family. So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I taught with Joe for many years at Catasauqua High School.He was a friend and an excellent teacher. He will be missed at our monthly breakfasts.
Gene & Maryann Lucadamo
November 20, 2013
Dear Kusko Family, We were sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We know him from St. Catharine's Eucharist Ministers. He always helped us out when we needed a replacement for the Saturday evening Mass. He was always kind and very friendly. We are honored to have known him.
He will be missed.
With our deepest sympathy
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Denise Olsen-Hissick
November 19, 2013
Aunt Marie and cousins Jim, Dave and Mary Anne,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and father. Would have liked to have attended the service if we had known sooner. Be assured that Uncle Joe is at peace and basking in the love of the Lord.
Terri Wenhold
November 19, 2013
MaryAnn and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. He is no longer suffering, but we on earth still are. I keep your entire family in my prayers. It doesn't help but know that you and you mother and family are in my thoughts very much. Love to you and your mother. Terri Wenhold
Patricia Seng- Dolgos
November 19, 2013
To the Kusko Family....you are in my thoughts and prayers....Mr. Kusko was a fine art teacher as well as a nice man..he will be missed....
Barbara Seng-Shindel
November 19, 2013
Remembering Mr. Kusko fondly after having him as my art teacher 5 years at Catty....
Joe and Marcia Trella
November 18, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe was so proud of his gift as an artist and he enjoyed sharing his talent with others. God's peace always~~
Ted LaRose
November 18, 2013
As a fellow teacher and friend of Joe Kusko,I admired his professional conduct and the many stories we shared.He was both fun and an educator.
Glen Longenhagen
November 18, 2013
My condolences to the Kusko family. He was a great art teacher and he will be missed.
debbie allard-leonard
November 18, 2013
my prayers go out to the Kusko family. He was my art teacher at Catty in the 70's.
November 17, 2013
Mrs.Kusko, Jim, Dave and Mary Anne,
So sadden by the passing of Joe. What a gentleman and great friend of our family, as are you. There are so many fond memories about Joe. Perhaps what will always stand above all, is the unconditional care and support he always gave to my grandmother while neighbors for so many years.
Sally, Taylor, Steve and
Jeff Wenck
Free form sculpture of Joseph Kusko
November 17, 2013
6th grade charcoal Joseph Kusko
November 17, 2013
Dave Kusko
November 17, 2013
My Dad, my mentor, everyone's educator. I love you Dad. Love, Dave
Joanne Paul
November 17, 2013
MaryAnn and Family,
My condolences for the loss of your dad. He was a great art teacher. May the memories carry you through this difficult time..
Kathi Charles
November 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to those who love and admire Mr.Kusko.
Brenda Kline Burger
November 17, 2013
Thank you for the inspiration you provided in my senior year as an art major. You truly had a great impact on many students. Class of 75
November 17, 2013
Mr. Kusko was my art teacher when I was in high school. He was a great teacher and an excellent person.
John F. Panik, Sr. Melbourne, Fl
November 17, 2013
Oakmont Tennis Club will miss you.
Rowland Kratzer
Mary Tihansky
Patti Smith
November 17, 2013
Please accept my sympathies on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. I remember Mr. Kusko fondly from his days as my art teacher at Catasauqua High School.
Sue & Craig May
November 17, 2013
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and prayers. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Susan (Schoeneberger) Aluma
November 17, 2013
Sincere sympathy to the entire Kusko Family. Mr. Kusko was my art teacher at Catty High.
chris janotka
November 17, 2013
Our deepest condolences go out to your family. Dolores and I will have your family in our prayers.
November 17, 2013
On behalf of the Sacred Heart Senior Living family, we extend our sincere sympathies and prayers for the Kusko family. In this time of great loss, memories of Joseph will help to heal and bring a smile to your hearts. Our community has been honored to display Joseph's painting for many years. It has brought colorful joy to our home. The Kusko family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Your Friends,
Sacred Heart Senior Living, Northampton
pat delong
November 17, 2013
Our sincerest condolences to the Kusko family. Our mother Carol DeLong taught with him, and the three of us had him for art. I hope he saw the calendar I sent him to show that one (of many) of his former students was still doing art. the DeLong family, Jill, Patti & Ted
Deb Szabo
November 17, 2013
My prayers are with the family! RIP Joe!
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O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown908 Hanover Ave, Allentown, PA 18109
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