Joseph Fusco

1929 - 2017

Joseph Fusco
Jul 11, 1929-Jan 26, 2017
Joseph, beloved husband, cherished father and grandfather died on January 26th at the age of 87 at Valley Comfort in Modesto, CA. Joseph was a musician who wrote, recorded and performed his music for Central Valley audiences for over 60 years.  He was the bandleader of the "Joe Fusco Dance Band" which preformed for hundreds of local weddings, anniversary parties and Italian and Swiss club events.  He was happiest when he was on stage and performed until the end of his life for his family and the residents at Valley Comfort.
Joseph was married for 57 wonderful years to his wife, Maria (Benenati), who died in 2014.  In addition to entertaining, Joseph worked as the owner and operator of Fusco Maintenance Co., which specialized in custodial services for businesses in Modesto.  Joseph and his predeceased brother, Philip, were easily recognizable driving around Modesto in their 1963 bright blue paneled truck.  
Joseph was born in 1929 in Schenectady, New York to Italian immigrant parents, John Fusco and Giovanina "Jenny" Poleo.  During the depression, his family moved to San Francisco.  Joseph attended elementary school at Saints Peter and Paul School in Little Italy.  He learned to play the accordion at Colombo & Sons accordion school in San Francisco at a very young age.  Later, his family moved to his uncle's farm in Manteca, CA. where Joseph graduated from Manteca High School's class of 1948.  After a brief stint in the US Navy where Joseph was a big-band conductor for the Officer's Club in Japan, he returned to live in Modesto, where he met and married Maria in 1956.
Joseph was a very special man who was loved dearly by his family and many close friends.  Joseph is survived by three children, John of Modesto, daughter Joanne Brichetto (Louis) of Oakdale, CA and son Jack (Kristin) of Annapolis, MD.  He had seven grandchildren; Lauren Fusco, Marie, Christina and Louie Brichetto and Anthony, Christopher and Mark Fusco.
A Viewing will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 from 4:00PM- 7:00PM with a Vigil at 6:00PM at Franklin and Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Avenue in Modesto. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 9:30 a.m., Our Lady of Fatima Church, 505 W. Granger Avenue in Modesto followed by a committal service at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, 1141 Scenic Drive in Modesto.
Joseph's family would like to thank the Gaither family and all of the caregivers at Valley Comfort for their compassionate care. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph's memory may be made to Optimal Hospice Care, 1101 Sylvan Ave., Suite B-10 Modesto, CA. 95350.
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