Richard J. Cusick M.D.

Dr. Richard "Dick" Cusick, devoted physician, passionate lifelong learner, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on January 19, 1945, in New York City, Dick was the second of three sons born to the late James and Frances Cusick. He was raised in Brooklyn, where his sharp intellect and endless curiosity first took root. A proud graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the City College of New York and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

After completing an internship at Staten Island Hospital, Dick moved his growing family to Pennsylvania, where he pursued dual residencies in Family and Internal Medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital, Saint Luke's Hospital, and Lehigh Valley Hospital. His deep commitment to healing later led him to specialize in Dermatology through residencies at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. He maintained a private family practice in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, for many years.

Dick's compassion extended beyond his practice walls. He traveled to Alaska to serve the Inuit and Yupik communities, bringing quality medical care to remote regions. In the final decade of his medical career, he focused on pain management, earning multiple certifications - including from Harvard Medical School - to better serve those suffering from chronic pain. He was also a founding member of Lehigh Valley Hospice, a testament to his lifelong dedication to human dignity and care.

Beyond medicine, Dick was a man of diverse interests and boundless energy. A sailor and scuba diver, chess enthusiast and skilled billiards player (honed in the pool halls of Brooklyn), he embraced every facet of life. He was a beekeeper for over 14 years, a supporter of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Lehigh Valley Soccer Association and a proud member of the Arbor Day Foundation. He loved to travel - exploring U.S. National Parks and cities around the world - and found deep joy in the outdoors.

Dick is survived by Norma, his loving wife of 59 years, and his nine children: John Cusick (Stephanie), Susan Guariano (Joe), Julie Gerdeman (Jason), Rick Cusick (Zenaida), Jane Brennan, Eve Cusick, Michael Cusick (Jody), Kate Cusick, and William Cusick. He was a cherished grandfather to Marissa, Toni, and Matthew Guariano; Caleb, Luke, Abby, and Seth Gerdeman; John and Patrick Brennan; Julia and Katelyn Cusick; and Ambrose Cole. He also leaves behind one niece and one nephew from his late brother James, and two nephews from his surviving brother Roger.

A private memorial service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dick's legacy may contribute to Lehigh Valley Hospice.

Dr. Cusick lived a life of service, curiosity, and love and will be deeply missed.

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