MICHAEL FUSCO

Michael A. Fusco

"Mike"

After a short battle with lung cancer, Michael A. Fusco, age 82 of Wilmington, DE, surrounded by his loving family went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2010.

He was born December 12, 1927 in Altoona, PA; the son of the late Antonio and Faustina (Bematre) Fusco is survived by his wife of 58 years D. Jean (Garvin) Fusco and his children and their spouses; Michele (Fusco) and Jay Schlink of Townsend; Lisa (Fusco) and Albert Alecknavage of Ft. Myers, FL; Michael W. Fusco and Carla of Wilmington; Robert P. Fusco of Wilmington; Richard T. Fusco of Wilmington; Jeanine (Fusco) and Christopher Lano of Bear; sisters Louise Faretty, Grace Altman, Jean Fusco, Eva Roscia of Altoona, PA and Baltimore, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews in surrounding states. He was predeceased by his son Lewis A. Fusco; parents, 5 sisters; and 1 brother. Grandchildren Melissa (Schlink) and David Davis, II, Jay R. Schlink, Jr., Michael J. Fusco, Joseph A. Fusco, Christopher T. Fusco, Andrew R. Fusco, Amber L. Fusco, Nicholas A. Fusco, Reagan L. Fusco, Julia K. Lano, and Sophia F. Lano. Great grandchildren R. Nathan Everett, III, Great Granddaughter due to arrive Aug 2010.

Mr. Fusco was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean conflict, with a rank of 2nd Class boatswain's mate. He was a Lifetime member of the American Legion DE Post #1. As a self-employed Master Automotive Technician, he owned and operated several local gasoline/service stations, and retired from Avenue Gulf, his last location on PA Avenue and Scott streets. He offered employment to many young talented individuals, and was looked up to as a leader and mentor to these young men, and was loved by all of his customers and employees.

As President of the DE Service Station Dealers Assoc. and Vice President of the PA and DE Service Station Dealers, he lobbied and was instrumental in passing legislation on behalf of fellow service station dealers on Local, State, and Federal levels, including legislation for the Americans with Disabilities Act for the state of DE. He stood up to, and fought against, the oil companies for unfair practices when they were trying to "put-out" the small business owners, during and after the gasoline shortage, and he won! He was also most proud to say he worked with many dignitaries, and became personal friends with many, including our Vice President, Joe Biden. He was a proud member of the St. Anthony's Choir and volunteered for the Ridgewood Community Association.

He loved his summers at his beach house in Sea Isle City, NJ, singing, dancing, gardening, painting. He was known as "Mr. Fix-It." He was also a dedicated Phillies Fan. His greatest joy was to spend time with his family and friends, most especially his grandchildren.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Saturday, June 19, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 901 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington, 19805, preceded by a 10 am visitation. Visitation will be Friday evening from 6-8 pm, at the Corleta-Latina Family Center, 807 N. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19805. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Anthony's Pipe Organ Fund, 901 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, 302-421-3700, stanthonynet.org; or Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810, 302-478-5707; www.delawarehospice.org.

Corletalatinafuneralhome.com

302-652-6642