Ralph S. Tusa

FRUITLAND PARK, FLA. -- Ralph S. Tusa, 81, of Fruitland Park, Fla., passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, in the Leesburg, Florida Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born in the Village of Champlain, N.Y., Feb. 16, 1927, the son of Richard and Agnes (Ashline) Tusa.
Ralph retired from the Plattsburgh News Company after a long-term career as their general manager. He was a very talented musician and for many years enjoyed working as a bass guitarist with several bands in area clubs.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Audrey, who died in January 1985; his sister, Dorothy Giroux; and his brothers, Kenneth Tusa and Joseph (Harley) Toussaint.
He is survived by his son, Lynn R. Tusa and his wife Susan of South Glens Falls, N.Y.; and a daughter, Kathy Caouette and her husband Paul of Grand Rapids, Mich.; grandchildren, Jennifer Hughes, Daniel Tusa, Kara Tusa, Matthew and Jacob Caouette; great-grandchildren, Grace and Bailey Hughes and Madeline and Elizabeth Tusa. Ralph is also survived by his brother, Fred (Helen) Tusa; a devoted niece, Brenda Whitney; as well as several other nieces, nephews and in-laws.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
The family will gather in the Emmaus Room at St. Peters Church to greet family and friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice.