James R. Fusco, 86, died on January 8, 2025, at Blake Hospital following complications from congestive heart failure. Jim was born April 13, 1938, in Lodi, NJ, and was the loved fourth child of Vincenzo Fusco and Josephine Palermo.
He lived most of his life in Bergen County, NJ, went into the US Army soon after high school, and spent his early career selling home improvements, before purchasing and running Arid Basement Waterproofing for 20 years. A true-blue fan of the NY Giants, you could often find him enjoying a football game, or else building and flying his model airplanes.
He is Survived by his; son Patrick Fusco and his wife Kara of San Diego, CA; stepdaughter Nancy Conk and her husband Craig of River Edge, NJ; and stepson James Byrne of Lodi, NJ, as well as his sister Jean Staley of Bradenton, FL. In addition, Jim's four grandsons will miss him dearly: Daniel Conk of Elmwood Park, NJ, Jason Conk of River Edge, NJ, and Miller & Bennett Fusco of San Diego, CA.
In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Starke) Fusco, brother Patrick Fusco, and a sister, Marrietta Staffa.
Jim's sweetheart Carol Janssens and his son Patrick held a small memorial for Jim on Tuesday January 14th at his favorite restaurant: Ortygia in Bradenton's Village of the Arts. Chef Gaetano Cannata, who was also a dear friend, cooked and hosted a warm, love-filled luncheon.
A larger celebration of life will be held on what would have been Jim's 87th birthday, April 13, 2025, in Elmwood Park, NJ.
Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
