Jack Cusano

1943 - 2026

Jack Dominick Cusano, 82, of Granite Bay, California, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with brain disease.

Born on April 18, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, Jack was the son of the late Dominick "Tommy" and Katherine Cusano. He grew up in Syracuse and attended Christian Brothers High School (1961), where he excelled as a standout basketball player. His talent on the court earned him a basketball scholarship to King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he scored over 1,000 points in his college career. Also, the place where he met his first wife Carol, of 27 years.

After graduating college (1965), Jack joined the Air Force, and 18 months later, was flying HH-43 helicopters in a combat zone in Vietnam, saving young men from dying. His "combat saves" were legendary at the time. One intense occasion, Jack was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in rescuing a downed pilot on a mission that required him to make multiple attempts through intensive enemy fire. Jack simply would not quit, until he finished saving that young man. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. A born leader of men, Lieutenant Colonel Cusano was a Squadron Commander for most of his time in the military. Some of his greatest friendships were originated in the Air Force, where he cherished the camaraderie and fellowship, including Jerry Davis, Danny Clifton, Mike Narkiewicz, and Tony Engle, to name just a few, because he had so many special friendships. Upon retirement from the USAF, he joined American Airlines and was a captain for them until his retirement in 2003.

He loved playing basketball and golf, and his competitive spirit stayed with him throughout his life. He was a "gym rat" until late in his 50's, playing full court basketball, always perfecting his craft. He loved playing competitive basketball, and once said, "the time I'm not picked first in a pickup game, is the time I'll stop playing." If you were dividing teams up, Jack was always your first pick. He was really that good. Raising his 3 oldest sons in Folsom, CA, in his back yard he built a basketball half court, where the daily games were legendary. At the time, all the high school varsity basketball players would attempt to beat him. The key word, "attempt." Later in life he transitioned to golf where he was an avid player. He was so gifted athletically, that golf came to him surprisingly easy. He later married his second wife Melissa, of 20 years.

Jack always had a big smile on his face and possessed an amazing sense of humor. Thoughtful and considerate, he endeared himself to everyone who knew him. Jack's greatest joys were his family. He was fiercely proud of his five children-Ken, David, Steven, Jake, and Carli-and cherished his time with his 13 grandchildren: Carson, Caitlin, Aubrey, Sam, Frank, Isabella, Kelly, Michael, Dominick, Aria, Mila, Briella, and Leona. Jack is survived by his brother, Russell Cusano (Michelle), his loving sister, Anna O'Brien (Denny), and all his children/grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his children and grandchildren, who will carry forward the memories of his kindness, patience, endless affection, and his wise words of encouragement.

A celebration of life is planned for early-May, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you say a prayer for all service members during this time of war.