John Michael Cusolito
April 8, 2013
CUSOLITO, John Michael
February 9, 1944 – April 8, 2013
Born in St. Joseph’s Hospital, London, ON, to Gerald and Vivian (nee Cox) Cusolito. Died peacefully in University Hospital, London, ON, April 8, 2013 after a lengthy illness bravely born. John was a lifelong and proud Londoner. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted, loving and beloved wife of 28 years Heather Locking-Cusolito, his sister Robin Gorman of Sherwood Park, AB, and his cousins Ross, Alan and Shirley Templain of Port Colborne, ON. He was predeceased by his parents and by his stepmother Margaret Cusolito. John was blessed with a capacity for friendship. His loyal friends, many of whom he has known since public school, have been a constant and steadfast presence in his life particularly in the last twelve weeks. He was tremendously appreciative of their support. John attended London Teachers College and the University of Western Ontario and taught public school in Middlesex County, before beginning a career in sales, first with Fitzhenry and Whiteside Publishing and later with Abbott Laboratories and Organon Teknica. Aside from his career, John had many interests. He loved the outdoors and cottage life, first on Lake Huron near Bayfield and later on the Bruce Peninsula on Colpoy Bay. He enjoyed the calm serenity of fishing. He loved travel, particularly visiting National Parks throughout Canada and the US. He was fond of both the arid American Southwest and, in contrast, the misty coasts of Newfoundland and visited them both many times. He was a skilled and talented photographer. He was active in Neighbourhood Watch London for several years and held the position of Chair from 1999-2002. He loved all kinds of sports but was, first and foremost, a passionate fan of Canadian football and a longstanding season ticket holder at Western Mustangs football games. He was a dedicated walker who daily walked six kilometres in rain, snow or shine until illness overtook him. He lived cheerfully, constructively and courageously with several complex medical problems for many years. Most importantly he loved his family and friends, loved being of service to them and continued to offer them strength and support even while he was facing tremendous challenges. In John’s lexicon a day spent with friends was a day worth living. He will be missed. Visitation will be held at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue (at Waterloo), London, ON, on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. immediately preceding a Service of Celebration in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Reception to follow in Proudfoot Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to First-St. Andrew’s United Church or the charity of your choice would be acknowledged with thanks by his family.
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Dear Heather- we are thinking of you and please accept our sincere condolences. I was very privileged to have met John. Fran and RonximsWeax
Dear Heather please accept my condolences on the recent passing og John. Thinking about you today Eileen
We have been so blessed to have 'Uncle John' in our lives. We have wonderful memories of birthday picnics in Springbank Park (watch for the goose poop!), fishing adventures, boat rides on the mighty Thames (well, we scraped the bottom - not so mighty that year!), UWO basketball, hockey and football games (Go Mustangs!) plus our annual Christmas cookies and hot chocolate time. We loved you and miss you. Will continue our traditions with Aunt Heather - and hold you close in our hearts always. Love Emma and Matt
Heather, I know my words fall short when trying to express my sadness for the loss of your wonderful husband John. I hope that your many memories give you strength at this time and that the love of those around you help you through the difficult days ahead. I am sorry I cannot be there tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Barb
Dearest Heather, I remember all those years ago, when your mother, Dodie, was staying with us in England and you rang to say you and John were getting married. She was so happy and proud. And rightly so. John was a warm, kind, generous man with a wonderful sense of humour and dignity and courage in the face of illness. He loved you very much. Strength for tomorrow. Our love is with you. Judy and family
Dear Heather; My sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved John. Treasure the memories of the good tmes you shared over the last 28 years. He will live on in your thoughts forever. Sincerely; Tom
Heather, please accept our condolences in the passing of your husband, John. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Sincerely, Murray and Pam
Dear Heather; Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. John had a sense of humor and love of outdoors, animals and humans. He will be greatly missed. God Bless You.
Heather I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts. Nola
Dear Heather; My sincere condolences on the recent passing of your husband...although I did not know him, I was very touched to read about his many good qualiites.. You also have so many amazing qualities as a former Nurse Practitioner in our unit... I will always be grateful for your caring for our patients and staff, too! and I am sure this has helped you immensely now that this time of grieving is upon you... May God hold you in the palm of HIS HANDS. Sincerely, Fran RN
My Dear Little Heather, I am so very sorry for your loss, please accept my most sincere condolences. With Love Always, Lesia.
My wife and I would like to pass along our condolences to Mrs. Cusolito and the rest of the Cusolito family. We are both residents in Northridge subdivision. Over the last dozen years or so, in our half hour walks from our home, either together or individually, to the Good Life Fitness Club at Adelaide and Windermere, we got to know John. He was usually headed in the opposite direction while on his morning walk. At his brisk pace, even at a distance, he had a very distinguishable gait. A nod and a quick "Good morning!" eventually became a stop and a brief chat. Occasionally, we would be headed the same way and we would have time for a longer conversation. Usually, John and I talked about the Mustangs and our football interests. However, other topics were also discussed. Some time ago, I had asked John about his walking regimen and he had talked about his health issues. There would be stretches where we wouldn't see John. When we did see each other again, he would fill us in on either his travels, or more recently, on his health problems. We had noted that his vigorous walking pace had become much slower. We had just commented recently that we hadn't seen John for some time and we were concerned. The problem was, we didn't know his last name as we only knew each other on a first name basis. We found out his last name this morning in the Free Press when we saw his picture. We already knew much of what was printed in the article. It is amazing how strangers can gradually become friends simply by walking past each other. We will miss meeting John on our morning walks! Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you this morning. Sheila Valiaho and Graham Hayhoe
Our heartfelt condolences Heather. The Cusolito and Harris families were a close and iconic unit as we were growing up and John was a happy, fun-loving part of those times together. We'll always remember John with great fondness and are grateful the Cusolito family was in our lives. Ann and Brian
Dear Heather, we have been thinking of John and you throughout this very difficult time. We pray for peace and consolation as you grieve for John. We are sorry we cannot attend his service but have you in our thoughts. Love , Patty and Vince
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So sorry to learn of your loss Heather.
~ Catherine Olde