John Edward Kusik Jr.

age 88, born August 9, 1934, passed away July 31, 2023. John is the loving husband, soulmate, best friend, and forever love of Carole Kelty Richards (Kusik). John and Carole were partners in life and love for 31 wonderfully joyful and peaceful years. He was an intelligent, funny, kind, and caring man with a captivating smile.
John had many talents. He ran a manufacturing business, and published medical journals, including Clinical Pediatrics. Without any experience, he started two successful radio shows: Talk about Learning, and Focus on Business. He interviewed Ross Perot and Gloria Steinem among other distinguished, and less distinguished, guests.
His marketing creativity knew no bounds. Twice he asked Carole to dress up in a gorilla suit for his "guerilla" marketing campaigns. The first time, she was followed by a bag piper, and a marching band to entice people to attend John's seminar at the IX Center. Another time, he asked Linnea to dress as Scarlet O'Hara at Public Square to promote an event. John dressed as Juliet Caesar with Linnea.
John was an amazing writer and editor. He worked with a Swedish businessman, Torbin Ek, to bring his business book, Your Emerging Business…Make It Sure It Survives! The Hexagon Stairway to Success to the American market.
John was on the Board of Directors at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, and the Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival.
When John met Carole, he quickly became active at North Coast Education Services as Vice President and Marketing Director. His outside-the-box approach to marketing grew the business quickly. John was also Chairman of The Creative Education Institute, a literacy focused not-for-profit, co-founded by John and Carole. He was Carole's support through ten ambitious years to bring her Richards Learning Systems, Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest to reality. He meticulously edited all 77 scripts. He attended filming of the final episode of the series on July 7th.
John and his soulmate traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe, Cambodia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. They were married in a private ceremony on Kauai overlooking the ocean, and returned countless times to enjoy the islands of Hawaii. John was a talented amateur photographer, capturing landscapes and lighthouses throughout his life and travels.
John graduated from Mercersburg Academy and Ohio Wesleyan University.
John loved his family unconditionally, including his daughter, Kate Kinkopf (Rick), Stephen Kusik (Joy), stepson Blair Richards (deceased), stepdaughter Linnea Smith (Stephen), 8 grandchildren: Brendan, Elizabeth, Madeline, Jackie, Nicole, Eric, Sophie, and Izetta, and a great-grandson, Cooper. John was preceded in death by his parents John, Sr. and Gloria (nee Fewell), and sister Anne.
Friends are invited to his Celebration of an incredible Life at the Cleveland Racquet Club 29825 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike 44124 on Sunday, August 20th from 3 to 5.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Creative Education Institute, 31300 Solon Rd, Ste 1, Solon, OH 44139.
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