Giuseppe (Jo-Jo) Cusumano, age 70, Lockeford, California, was born on November 14, 1943 in Carini, Italy, and passed away on August 31, 2014 following a long and lengthy health battle. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Rose Cusumano, his son Salvatore Cusumano, his grandchildren Carina Rose Cusumano, age 5; Alexandria Alyce Cusumano, age 4; Anthony Joseph Cusumano, age 2; and his sisters Rose Mannino and Lena Taormina. He was preceded in death by his parents Salvatore and Angela Cusumano and his son Anthony Cusumano.

Giuseppe will be greatly missed by his family and friends who came to know him over the years in Sicily, New York, and Central California

Giuseppe spent the early years of his life in Carini, Italy working with his family and served in the Italian military with distinction

In 1970 Giuseppe moved to the United States and lived in Staten Island, New York.
He worked with Tischman Construction and helped in the construction of the World Trade Center. In Staten Island he met Phyllis Carrara, and married her on February 23, 1972. Their first son, Salvatore, was born in Staten Island on February 26, 1973. Their second son, Anthony Cusumano, was born in Staten Island on April 8, 1974. While in Staten Island Giuseppe helped other friends and family with their Italian restaurant until deciding to move the family to California in 1980.

After moving to San Jose, California Giuseppe eventually was able to open his own Italian restaurant which was very successful until the family decided to move to Lodi, California in 1989. The family had just as successful a restaurant in Lodi until Giuseppe decided to retire from the restaurant business in 1992.

In 1993 Giuseppe took a custodial/maintenance job with the Lodi Unified School District eventually working until 2008 at Tokay High School. 2008 was also the year Giuseppe was diagnosed with throat cancer which he eventually went into remission from in 2008.

In 2009 Giuseppe and Phyllis moved to Lockeford, California to enjoy their retirement years. Giuseppe enjoyed his family and spending time with his friends and was an exceptional cook. After retirement, the biggest joy in his life was spending time with his grandchildren. He would love their visits and would always look forward to doing things with them.

A memorial luncheon will be held at Country Manor, in their clubhouse at, 17251 N Tretheway Road in Lockeford, California at 1pm on Saturday September 13th. There will be no public church service. Please sign the guestbook online at www.cherokeememorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Sep. 11 to Sep. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Giuseppe Cusumano

10 Entries

Linda and Richard Holmes

September 22, 2014

Phyllis and Sal, Richard and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and son. You all became a family to us when we lived in Lodi. It was great working with Jo-J0, Sal and Anthony in the restaurant you all treated me like family. Richard and I send our condolences and much love and prayers to all the family.

Carole Funge

September 20, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Jo-Jo' s passing. Such a lovely man. When my husband and I moved to Lodi as newly wed teachers, we discovered his restaurant and made it our rare splurge ($19.99) on the family special night. His gracious welcome made us feel felt like we were truly something special, even with our modest budget. A few years on, the "Jo-Jo's" magnet, now faded but still on the side of our refrigerator, I realized that the joyful, smiling gentleman who had been greeting me in my Tokay classroom everyday after school was that same gracious restaurant owner. He brought a bit of sunshine each afternoon with his stories of family, food, Italy, New York, business, building. No matter where his stories started, they always came back to his family and the great pride and love he felt for you all. He touched many lives with his joyous spirit and I'm glad mine was one of them. My condolences on your loss.

Rebecca Riffel

September 17, 2014

Dear Sal,
Larry and I didn't know your brother or Dad, but are so sad to hear of your heartbreaking loss, especially so close together. Our hearts go out to you and your Mother, and our prayers are with you for strength and comfort in the future.
Love,
Larry and Rebecca

Mark Newfield

September 13, 2014

Great mentor and friend. Sure going to miss him.

Hazel Lewis

September 12, 2014

My dear friend. So sorry for your losses. Know you are devestated loosing your son and husbsnd so close together. Please know I am sending prayers an d blessings to you. We do not know the reason why but are not to question our God. I hope someday you willing to understand the reason why. wish I knew how to help you at this time. Take care of yourself. I'm thinking about you.

Linda Poteet

September 11, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. I worked with you all at Jo Jo's in Lodi and enjoyed meeting you all. God Bless.

Sal Cusumano

September 11, 2014

Losing a loved one will always be difficult but knowing that my dad is now with my brother and neither of them are in pain makes it hurt a little less.

LaDon & Kathie Bader

September 11, 2014

Yes, Jo Jo was an excellent cook. Always enjoyed a meal at his restaurant and visiting with his wonderful family. We send our love and deepest sympathy to Phyllis and Sal. We'll always remember JoJo and hold the memories in our hearts.

Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home

September 10, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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