George P. Fusco

George Fusco, 88, of Freeport, died Tuesday March 13, 2012, in his home with family by his side. George was born on April 7, 1923, in Freeport, the son of Angelo and Pauline (Modica) Fusco. George was a 1940 graduate of Freeport High School. Afterward, he worked at Micro Switch but left to join the Navy and served from 1942 until 1945. He served aboard the U.S.S. Barry until it was hit by a Kamikaze on May 25, 1945. On October 17, 1947, George married Mary Jean Brillhart in Freeport. For 42 years, George worked at Metal Specialties Body Repair and retired in 1988. During his lifetime in Freeport, he was a member of the former Germania Club, Elks Club, Am Vets, V.F.W. and Golden Kiwanis. He enjoyed going to the Y.M.C.A. and supporting his favorite sports teams. He loved the Chicago Cubs and fondly remembered going to a World Series Game in 1935 with his father and brother. George was a very good baseball player, playing with the Am Vet team as a center fielder when fast pitch was great in Freeport. In his retirement, he and his wife followed the Highland Cougar Basketball team and made four trips to Hutchinson when the Cougars advanced. He was very active in his children'™s and grandchildren'™s athletic and academic activities and was always present, cheering them on. Also, he loved playing cards with his friends and family. He was a loving husband and caring father and grandfather and his smile, laughter and unconditional love will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mary Jean Fusco of Freeport, two sons; Ronald (Kathy) Fusco of Raleigh, North Carolina, Robert (Donna McIntyre) Fusco of Freeport, one grandson Todd (Lorena Nicholas) Fusco of Champaign, IL two granddaughters Crea Fusco M.D. of Denver, Colorado and Zaya Fusco of Evanston, IL, three step granddaughters and one step great granddaughter. George was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Joe and a sister in law. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday March 16, 2012 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with Rev. Kathleen Brinkmeier officiating. Visitation will be Thursday March 15, 2012 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Highland Cougars Men'™s Basketball in his memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com