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Nick Fusco Obituary
He was born August 26, 1938 in Scanno, Italy, a son of the late Amedeo and Imelda Carfagnini Fusco. He was predeceased by two brothers, Tonino and Massimo Fusco.
When he was 18 years old, Chef moved to the United States, and he graduated from Coraopolis High School three years later. After graduating from high school he started working at the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel. He was a Certified Executive Chef at the Hilton, retiring 23 years later to fulfill a lifetime dream of owning his own restaurant. In 1982 he opened Fusco's Restaurant in Stowe Township, Pa. He also taught culinary classes at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. In 1986, the family sold the restaurant in Pittsburgh and moved to Myrtle Beach, and opened Fusco's Restaurant at the Beach Colony Resort. Along with his wife and children, he operated the restaurant for 21 years.
Chef Fusco was a member of The Academy of Chefs, The National Culinary Federation, and The Chefs Association of Pittsburgh. In the early 1970's he was in one of the first groups to be inducted into the American Academy of Chefs - The National Honor Society. He was in the first group of Pittsburgh area Chefs that developed the first Chefs Apprenticeship Program. This program that started in Pittsburgh is now used nationally. He also assisted a group in starting the Myrtle Beach Area American Culinary Federation. Nick is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, and an active member of St. Andrew Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Vera Pagliari Fusco; his three children, Cristina F. Triplett and husband, Kevin, and Nicholas Fusco, both of Myrtle Beach, and Matthew Fusco and wife, Sandy, of Murrells Inlet; a brother, Roberto Fusco, and a sister, Augusta Rosati, both of Scanno, Italy; and his four grandchildren, Neil and Nicholas Triplett, and Andrew and Alex Fusco.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at St. Andrew Catholic Church with Monsignor Joseph Roth officiating. Private entombment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nick's honor to ALS Association, South Carolina Chapter, 1064 Gardner Road, Suite 101, Charleston, SC 29407; or InCare Hospice, 4685 Hwy. 17 S. Bypass, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
An online guest register is available at www.msfh.net or at TheSunNews.com.
McMillan-Small Funeral Home of Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nick Fusco
Alan and Dorothy Champagne
March 1, 2022
Dear Vera and family,
Alan and I live in Daytona Beach Shores now. I'll never forget all that Chef Nick taught me in his culinary classes I took many years ago when we lived in Moontownship. I still make his potato christie and think of Nick. I did tell you guys when we saw you at his restaurant in Myrtle Beach that I started my own Catering business in 1990. I'm also most finished with my first cookbook it and mention his name several times.
Alan and I remember parties we had at your place in Stole Township. You would carry David (our baby at the time) so we could enjoy our dinner. I remember as he got older about 2 how I found you two in the kitchen making a dish of ice-cream ... too fun! He just love seeing you both as we always did too.
We think of you often Vera and hope you see this note!
Love you dearly and send hugs to you all. Alan and Dorothy Champagne
Jane & John Murphy
April 21, 2009
Nick, Chistina, Matt & Family
We were saddened to hear of your Dad's
passing. Hold on to your great memories.
You are in our prayers
Jean Barrow
April 14, 2009
To the Fusco family,
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. "Chef" was such a kind and wonderful man and employer. He gave me the chance to work for him and feel part of his wonderful family. I love you all very much and you will always be in my heart and prayers.
Sharon & Paul Malone
April 11, 2009
It was a special pleasure to come to know Nick and his family. There will always be only one "Chef" in our life. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Judith montibeller
April 4, 2009
As the Coraopolis High School Class of 1959 readies for its 50th reunion celebration, it is sad to hear of the passing of another classmate. Nick's story is one of success of an immigrant who became a respected chef and business owner. You can't get much better than that. My deepest sympathy.
Randall Bosetti
April 3, 2009
Deepest sympathies to Christina and the Fusco family. May you find comfort in fond memories of Uncle Nick. My thoughts are with you.
Carol Schmitt
April 3, 2009
To the Fusco family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have many fond memories of Chef. He will be missed greatly. Best wishes to all of you
Deepest sympathies,
Carol and Gary Schmitt (Troy) and family
Marlene (Rossi) and Marshall Frank
April 2, 2009
Dear Vera and family,
Thinking of you and extending sincere sympathy.
Dr. Joseph Oppenheim
April 2, 2009
Our sincerest sympathy in your loss. Nick was very kiind to my Mother when she came down from Ohio every year to celebrate her 90 + birthdays. Every year, he made her feel special. We came to the area the same year that he did and when we had the health were regular costumers. He will be missed by all of us. Dr. & Mrs. J.M. Oppenheim
Karen Black
April 2, 2009
To Vera, Christina, Nick, and Matt,
I'm saddened to hear about Chef. I loved working for him and your family--he could put a smile on your face on a bad day, and he inspired me with his love of culinary...and of his family and friends! He will be missed, and my thoughts are with you.
Ulli Baumann
April 1, 2009
Dear Vera,
To you, the kids and grandkids our deepest, heartfelt sympathy. We were so saddened when we first heard of Nick's illness, but now he is whole again in Heaven and free of suffering. He touched so many lives with his kindness, great sense of humor and generosity. He was a truly good man. We will never forget how you made us feel welcome when we moved next door to you in Moon Twp. We were always "part of the family." And we treasure the memories of our visits with you in Myrtle Beach. We love you all dearly and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
April 1, 2009
To the family of Nick " Chief " Fusco:
My we express our sympathy to you in the loss of one of our finest Chiefs and our friend Nick.. Your family & Nick prepared & served our Telephone Pioneer group for many years. We're greatful for all his service to us though those all years. Allan Martin, President, Grand Strand Life Member Club, AT&T Telecom Pioneers,753 Shaftesbury Lane, Conway, SC 29526
April 1, 2009
Fusco & Triplett Family,
We at the ALS Association-South Carolina Chapter would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolence to you during this time. Remember to find comfort in the memories that you shared and continue to be an encouragement to one another. Mr. Fusco will be truly missed, but never forgotten. Always in our continous thoughts and prayers.
The ALS Association-South Carolina Chapter
John and Loretta Mangin
April 1, 2009
Dear Vera and Family,
Please accept our sincere sorrow for the loss of your dear husband and father. I doubt you remember us, but we were patrons of Nick's restaurant in West Park. We have so many fond memories of eating there after my son's baseball games at Sto-Ken-Rox. Even though if would be late, Nick always said please come in --we will feed you. He would even send left over food with us as we were walking out. the door. Our son loved Nick's banana foster dessert and ordered it. one night. Nick sheepishly came out and said he was sorry but didn't have any bananas. I guess he saw the look on my son's face. He quickly left the restaurant and came back with bananas to make the dessert. That was the kind of man he was. We so missed you when you left for Myrtle Beach but always wished you well. I know this is a difficult time for you and your family but please know that your family made a lasting impression on ours. God bless you always.
John and Loretta Mangin Moon Township, PA
April 1, 2009
To Christina and Kevin
I am so sorry for your lose.
Joyce Bowie
Pru Crew
April 1, 2009
Nick,
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this time. I know your dad fought a courageous battle. ALS did not win, he did! He is now pain free and flying high!
Rino,Agnese Mancini
March 31, 2009
Carissima Vera e famiglia:
Noi tutti siamo rimasti nel sentire la
dolorosa notizia.Con affetto ci uniamo
al vostro dolore,inviamo le piu
sentite condoglianze anche da parte di
noi tutti.Saluti cari.
Rino,Agnese,Anna Maria, Tony e Marcus
Tim Ditoro
March 31, 2009
Dear Vera; What can I say but how sad I feel hearing about CHEF. I started working for him in 1974 and I still long for those days. The last time i was in MB the place was closed after lunch. We should of come back but when you have three kids it is kind have hard. CHEF was my hero and teacher he will be missed by all My prays are with you all today and forever Tim Ditoro
James Robinson
March 31, 2009
Dear Vera and the entire Fusco family,
I am so sorry to hear of Chefs passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this sad time,I was always honored to have known Chef and to have considered him a friend,he was a kind and considerate man who supported me with respect and love in my many times of need..He will be sadly missed by all and will always be remembered with great appreciation by me..Chef always inspired me to become a better person.May God give you the comfort you need in your loss.
Vivian Lambrinos
March 31, 2009
Dear Christina and family, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed. With sympathy, Vivian & Jimmy Lambrinos & Family
Leo Honosky Jr.
March 31, 2009
Dear Vera and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Nick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leo Honosky Jr. and Family
Grey Bracken
March 31, 2009
Dear Matt and family,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Please remember you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dana Mason Gasque
March 31, 2009
Dear Matt and Sandy,
Our hearts were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace, comfort, and understanding during this difficult time.
With Much Sympathy,
The Gasque Family
Bob Nichols
March 31, 2009
Christina and Fusco family,
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I will always have the deepest respect and admiration of Chef. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fernando & Philomena Bolea
March 31, 2009
Dear Vera and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Nick's passing.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Nick will be fondly remembered.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Comfort Keepers
March 31, 2009
Dear Fusco Family,
All of us at Comfort Keepers were greatly saddened to hear of Nick's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
March 30, 2009
Christina and Fusco family,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. One of the best testaments you can give to a person's life is the image of how you remember them, and I honestly always see him in my mind's eye smiling. Death is not the end, he will be with you always!
Much love, and prayers
Dana Phillips and family
Jan & Bob Walschott
March 30, 2009
Sorry to hear of Nick's passing. We remember all the good times we had when you lived on Baintree. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
March 30, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. He will be dearly missed. Find strength in each other. Always, Kara Rabon
Madeline Chesky
March 30, 2009
Dear Vera and family, thinking of you and sending my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.I am keeping all of you and Nick in my prayers. Love Lena Chesky
Susan Shanks
March 30, 2009
Dear Vera, Cristina, Nick and Matt,
I don't need to tell you that Don and I will miss Chef tremendously...he was a great friend! I KNOW - to you - the missing is insurmountable! Our loss, is heaven's gain. I like to picture Chef sitting near Jesus, talking to Him and asking Him to protect his family whom he will always love. We know Jesus will do all that and more. He is the Great Savior and will never stop loving us. Lean on Him on those times when missing Chef will be so hard - that's what a Savior is for. . . He is the Great Comforter. I'm glad we're your neighbors and ANY time and ANY where you have a need please call us. You're in our prayers. We love you all.
In His Love,
Susan & Don
Joe & Dorothy Zabatta
March 30, 2009
We express our sympathy to the FUSCO FAMILY
Nick was a caring & wonderful man. We have
fond memories from our wedding day 10/02.
He told us that we will become family and
treated us as such. Everytime we saw him around town his face lite us as we greeted each other. We will miss him and pray for his wonderful family.
Ernest & Wilma Holt
March 30, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Tammy Whitling/Sanders
March 30, 2009
Vera and Family,
Sorry to hear about Chef, I used to work for him in Westpark resturant, my first job. It was a great experience to work for him, I learned alot. I always wondered how he was making out in Myrtle. He will be missed!
Tammi Allridge
March 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Fusco family. God bless.
Mark Wynne
March 30, 2009
Dear Fusco family,
I was sadden to hear the news of your loss. My family and I would like to extend our condolences, and offer our help in anyway possible. Chef will be missed, He was a great man and I feel proud to have been a small part of his life. I'm sorry that I cannot make it to the funeral, but I'll have you and him in my thoughts.
Mark Wynne and family
L EDWIN BROWN
March 30, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mike Chestnut
March 30, 2009
On behalf of Myrtle Beach City Council, we extend our deepest sympathy, and lift your family in prayer.
BB Gooden
March 30, 2009
We send all of you and your family love,and lift you in prayer. Nick touched so many lives and will be truly missed.
God Bless,
Gini & John Ingram
Gini & Chester Abee
BB & David Gooden
Michelle & Ron Cox
Lisa Alston
March 30, 2009
Matthew & Family,
I am saddend to hear of Chef's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Carter
March 30, 2009
Cristina,
I'm terribly sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathies. My earnest prayer is that the love of God in Christ Jesus remains for you an abiding and sustaining presence.
Prayerfully yours,
JOHN & KATHY BOLEA
March 30, 2009
TO VERA AND FAMILY
I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. HE WILL BE MISSED.
PATRICIA BLUM
March 30, 2009
Moving from Pittsburgh to Myrtle Beach 25 years ago was a real transition. but, we were delighted when we found Fusco's at the Beach. We lived near the Coraopolis area in Pittsburgh; attended meetings at the Hilton, so were familiar with the Chef and the Food. Spent many Easter Sundays there in addition to other nights for the specials. What a great conversation with Nick we had.
Your family will be in my prayers.
Peter (Pietro) DeNardis
March 30, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the Fusco family. I read the obituary in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning, and immediately was taken back in time to when I was working summers while in college at the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel. "Chef Nick" always made sure to put me on the schedule and help me earn money for college; I had no formal kitchen training, but could help out with clean-up work, pot washing, and salad/dessert prep assistance. He approached his work with the utmost of professionalism and intelligence. I'll never forget my first day of work in the summer when the uniform department gave me a pair of "official" checkered executive chef pants; Chef Nick just looked at me with a smile on his face and said..."hey, those are my pants"...
It was my first "real job" and I learned a lot from him about hard work and having passion toward what you do in life.
Ti saluto, Nick!
Mary Grace Roos
March 30, 2009
Many tears were shed at the passing of Compare Nick. Comare, you and Compare are like family to us...and certainly the closest friends of my mom and dad. Compare will be missed, but no doubt fondly remembered. With love and sympathy to you, Christina and Kevin, Nike, Matthew and Sandy and the grandkids,
Mary Grace (Salpietro) Roos and Family
Julie (Uram) Pawuk
March 30, 2009
Nick,
My sympathies to you and your family on your loss. May wonderful memories of your father live forever in your heart.
With Friendship and Sympathy,
lorenzo''larry'' Schiavo
March 30, 2009
You have my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Lorenzo Schiavo
Coraopolis, Pa.
Anna Marie DeSarro/DelMonaco
March 30, 2009
Sending our deepest sympathy to Nick's family - Vera and her children.
I will always remember him when my dad and mom visited with his Uncle Mike's. He was a great guy and a wonderful chef.
Anna Marie DeSarro/ Del Monaco, Palmina and Rossana Del Monaco
Stan Johnson
March 30, 2009
Dear Fusco Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remenber Mr. Fusco's tireless dedication to make our company events at his restaurant "special".
Stan & Laura johnson
Pru Crew
March 30, 2009
(((Nick))),
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Tonia Clemmons
March 30, 2009
Fusco Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Fusco. We will miss seeing him "busy" in the yard. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg, Tonia and Morgan Clemmons
March 30, 2009
CHRISTINA AND FAMILY,SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR DAD.WITH LOVE,JEANETTE ROYALS NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
Audrey Edwards
March 30, 2009
Vera, Cristina, Nick and Matthew,
Windell and I are sorry for your loss of Chef. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know I’ll miss him at the family get togethers, sitting around drinking espresso. May your memories of joyous times together with Chef bring you comfort and ease your pain. I know you are hurting right now, but we can’t be selfish. Chef has gone on to a better, loving place where he’s in no pain and surrounded with eternal love. As the days and weeks pass and you return to your normal routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Please let us know if there is anything you need.
God bless you and we love you all,
Audrey & Windell
Chuck Martino
March 30, 2009
Nothing can be said at this time to ease the loss you all are feeling or to answer the question of why, but know he is with The Father and without pain or suffering and is happy and at peace.
I already miss the many pots of espresso we shared while discussing Northwoods and the City he loved.
He loved his family, his garden and his yard and never asked for a thing for himself but as always was ready to help St Andrew Catholic Church, Northwoods and anyone in need.
His friendship, guidance and mentoring are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. He was the best neighbor anyone could dream for.
Please call me if there is anything I can do to help. April 1, 2004 we laid dad to rest, so April 1st already has a special day of meaning for me.
Cathy Deichler (Claytor)
March 30, 2009
You have my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. May your memmories bring you peace. I remember Nick from birchway in Coraopolis. His cousin Marie and I tried out some of his wonderful dishes while he was in school. I especially remember his Tower of Pisa in sugar cubes. He was always striving towards his dream. How wonderful that he was able to fullfil it.
I will keep Nick's family in my prayers.
Pam Halloran
March 30, 2009
Cristine and the Fusco family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With love, Pam Panneton Halloran and family.
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