Bernard E. Cusano

Bernard E. Cusano

Greenfield, MA - Bernard Ettore Cusano, 94, of Greenfield Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 29th, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, following a brief illness.

An Army veteran and longtime college instructor, Bernie was born in 1931 to Angelo and Theresa Cusano, the youngest of eight siblings. He grew up in Paterson, N.J., with a backyard peach tree and vegetable garden that he remembered fondly throughout his life. He attended the Paterson public schools. At 18, he was drafted into the Army, where he served as a map-reader and navigator in Germany during the Korean War reconstruction. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Miami, and a master's degree in education from New York University. He married Toby Getzel in 1960, and together they raised their three children in New York City and Montclair, N.J.

Bernie was a career educator, working for decades at Union County College, in Cranford, N.J., where, in addition to teaching, he directed programs that helped disadvantaged students get access to college education and jobs. He was a dedicated and inventive teacher and was committed to the mission of the college. In addition, Bernie was an avid collector of antiquarian books, paintings, lithographs, and furniture, and with Toby, enjoyed a sideline as an antiques dealer. Their shared love of fine art gave them many decades of exploration, research, and adventure.

Bernie was an easygoing man. He worked long hours but liked his weekends with family. He'd relax at home or set off with Toby to scour estate sales for antiques. He loved to read and always had several stacks of books at his bedside. His many interests included painting and drawing, animals, cooking, learning about herbal medicine, and discussing philosophy, politics and art.

He was predeceased by his wife, Toby, in 2020, as well as by his seven brothers and sisters: Carl, Pasquale, Nicholas, Isabella, Carmelina, Michelina, and Filomena.

Bernie is lovingly remembered by his family: daughter Nicole Cusano, of Shelburne, Massachusetts, her husband Richard Andrew, and their children Isabela and Milo; daughter Maria Cusano, of Somerville, Massachusetts, and her husband Burt Beckwith; and son Christopher Cusano, of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and his wife Piyaporn Tommarongrag, and their son Ben; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The family would like to thank Lifepath, Visiting Angels, as well as the wonderful caregivers - Deb, Cynthia, Sally and Kathy - who befriended and helped Bernie over the past several years.

A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family, and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.