Edgar "Ed" Cusson, 95, of Dartmouth passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 24, 2014. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Rose (Gamba) Cusson of 63 years, his loving daughters Pamela Shea and her husband Kevin of North Dartmouth and Carol Wagner and her husband Mark of Charleston, SC, his 3 granddaughters, Kristen Shea, Katie King and her husband husband Jon, Kara Shea, and grandson Cayden Wagner, as well as 2 great-grandsons Mason and Chayse. Ed also is survived by his dear sister Doria Goodwin of St. Petersburg, FL, and nephews Rob St. Germain and his wife Brett, John Cusson, and nieces Susan Huntington, Shirley Smith, and Luann Goodwin.
Ed was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, lived briefly in Alberta, Canada, and eventually made his way back to New Bedford. He was an avid athlete and delighted in swimming 2 miles a day, playing tennis and racquet ball, and running. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a staff sergeant until November 1945. After World War II, Ed became an air traffic controller, ultimately coming to New Bedford Airport, a position that he held until January 1992, making him the oldest controller in FAA history when he retired at the age of 72. Besides his work and exercise, Ed was a devoted fan of "his" Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots and any team from Boston. He had a knack for picking the winning player. Ed was also known for his charismatic persona. In addition to his devotion to sports, Ed loved running, cycling, swimming, a good cup of coffee, eating ice cream, enjoying George's Farm corn, hiking in the woods, playing cribbage with his dear friend Donat Fafard, and being with his family. He also loved smoking a good cigar with his buddy Mark. He will be missed by family and friends and remains an inspiration to us all.
A memorial service will be held on July 30, 2014 at 1 pm on the anniversary of his birth at the Fort Tabor (Rodman) Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Services of Massachusetts, 577 Main St., Wareham, MA 02571.