The Post-Journal

Thomas W. Cusimano, Sr.

Thomas W. "Coach" Cusimano, Sr., 87, formerly of 37 Benson St., died on Monday, November 16, 2009, in the Pleasant Ridge Manor, Girard, PA.

A native of Jamestown, he was born March 4, 1922, the son of Rosario and Mary Gattuso Cusimano.

Mr. Cusimano was a 1941 graduate of Jamestown High School. In 1950 he earned his Bachelor of Art Degree at the University of Illinois, and in 1968 received his Master's Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University.

He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army during World War II from November 18, 1942 until his discharge on March 18, 1946.

He was a physical education teacher with the Jamestown Public Schools for 32 years, retiring in 1986. He was the track coach from 1971 until 1986 and coached junior varsity football from 1959 until 1986.

He was a communicant at St. James Catholic Church and active in the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was a basketball official for 25 years and was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Surviving are two sons: Russell M. (Terri) Cusimano of Jamestown, and Thomas W. (Jung-Sil) Cusimano Jr. of Binghamton; a daughter, Priscilla M. (Harry) Watters of Brocton; six grandchildren: Kellie M. (Eogan) O'Donnell of Beverly, MA, Tricia K. Cusimano of Plymouth, MA, Kara and Thomas W. Cusimano III, both of Binghamton, Captain Matthew Watters of Oahu, HI, now serving in Afghanistan, and Marcus T. Watters of Brocton; a great-granddaughter, Alexandra R. O'Donnell of Beverly, MA; and a brother, William Cusimano of Naperville, IL.

Mr. Cusimano was preceded in death by his wife Angeline (Dee) M. Carmen, whom he married April 27, 1946, and died November 25, 1995; a sister, Gen Armella; and a brother, Cosmo "Kaky" Cusimano.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in the St. James Catholic Church. The Rev. William Barrett, retired priest, will be celebrant. Burial will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. A Christian Wake Service will be led at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorials be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. James Catholic Church, 27 Allen St., Jamestown, NY 14701, Alzheimer's Association of Western New York, 2805 Wehrle Dr. Suite 6, Buffalo, NY 14221-7380 or to a charity of choice.


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.