Walter Allen “Al” Cusson, 79, of Port Charlotte, FL and formerly of Franklin, MA entered into eternal life on October 27, 2013, following a long illness.
Born in Milford MA on August 15, 1934, he was the son of the late Walter J. and Catherine A. (Lyons) Cusson. Al was raised in Medway MA and later settled in Franklin to raise his family. After retiring he relocated to the gulf coast of FL where he enjoyed the amazing sunsets, golf, and wonderful times with family and friends.
As a young man he farmed, travelled the country training race horses, proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, was a machinist, a purchasing agent and found his niche in a job he most enjoyed – driving the “big rigs” for Holmes Transportation of Framingham. Al was a proud lifelong member of Teamsters Local 170. He loved to drive the open roads but could easily navigate an 18 wheeler through the narrow street of Boston in reverse! Family vacations across the U.S.A. were always taken in the family Chevy station wagon or a motor home. Al believed that this was where you could learn about, see and experience this great country and its different people. Just ask his children about picking cotton with sharecroppers in GA.
Even though his workday was long and often difficult, he always made time to keep an immaculate home and attend his children’s sporting events and activities. He was a lifelong Elk, on the board of the Franklin Chargers and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Al enjoyed a Saturday “date night” with his wife and socializing with his large family and many friends. He was passionate about music and dance. Congregating in the kitchen singing and dancing will always be a part of life in the Cusson household.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary A. (Willinski) Cusson of Port Charlotte, FL, his children Donna Marie of Franklin, Mark A. of Woonsocket, RI and Eric J. of Franklin. Also surviving are his grandchildren Vanessa M.Cusson of Franklin, Jessica A.Cusson of Grafenwohr, Germany, Alyssa A. Cusson of Franklin and Matthew A. Cusson of Woonsocket, RI. In 2000, Kristin, Michael, Bryan and Steven Ferguson entered his life and his heart. He was so very proud of all of his grandchildren and spending time with them brought him great joy.
The oldest son of a family of ten children, Al embraced the role of big Brother. He is survived by his sisters Carol A. Cusson of Franklin, Barbara J. Armstrong of Medway, Margaret (Peggy) D’Angelo of Franklin, a brother Wilmer E. Cusson of Richmond, VA. and numerous nieces and nephews. Al is predeceased by his sisters Joan F. Cusson, Estelle M. Pighetti, Virginia (Ginna) Gianetti, Catherine Olson and a brother James R. Cusson and his best boxer buddy, the family dog Noah.
His funeral will be held on Saturday November 2 from the
Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin at 8:15 followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 9:00.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Friday from 4-8.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Al’s name to St. Vincent DePaul, One Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038 or Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33980