Thomas Cusack Jr., age 89, died on June 26, 2014 at his home in River Forest, Ill; beloved husband for 60 years of Joan Crowley Cusack; loving father of Mariclare C. (Larry) Hart, Joan C. (Michael) Conley, Dennis C. (Nancy) Cusack, Kevin F. (Cathy) Cusack, Maureen C. (Walter) Healy and the late Thomas Cusack IV; loving grandfather to : Brendan Hart, Mary Frances Conley Williams, Michael Conley Jr., Claire Cusack, Patrick Cusack, Kate Cusack, Sean Cusack, Colin Cusack, Maggie Healy, Tommy Healy, Molly Healy, Michael Healy and William Healy. Mr. Cusack was born on May 24, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, the first born son of Thomas and Clare Cusack. He was raised in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois and Cascade and Colorado Springs, Colorado with his four siblings: Claire C. (Richard) Cronin, Jeanne C. (late James) Walsh, Joseph A. (Dianne) Cusack and John T. (Mary Louise) Cusack; fond uncle of over 50 nieces and nephews. Mr. Cusack graduated from Fenwick High School in 1943 and enrolled in the service attending Pennsylvania Military School (Weidner College) serving in World War II and the Korean War. After the war, Mr. Cusack attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950. Mr. Cusack worked as CEO and President of the Cusack Realty Company for 50 years, the firm founded by his grandfather in 1925. Mr. Cusack was dedicated to his faith, family and country. A daily communicant and devout member of St. Luke's Parish, he served as a weekly usher at mass until his death. After his retirement, Mr. Cusack remained active attending grandchildren events and volunteering at Ascension School reading to the children in the primary grades. Mr. Cusack embraced his family and without fail was in attendance at every one of his children's sporting events or extracurricular activities. Fondly known as "Coach Cuz", Mr. Cusack spent over three decades coaching youth football, baseball and basketball teams. Mr. Cusack was athletic and organized family events surrounding his favorite sports of football, basketball, baseball, golf, horseback riding and mountain climbing. Mr. Cusack served his community as President of the River Forest Service Club, founder and Grand Marshall of the River Forest Memorial Day Parade and River Forest Village President. Visitation will take place on Monday, June 30, 2014 from 2:00 - 5:30, at St. Luke Church located at 528 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, Illinois with the mass of Christian burial on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. also at St. Luke Church. Private Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to Misercordia or Ascension School. Funeral Info: 708-383-3191 or www.drechslerbrownwilliams.com.

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Published by The Ledger from Jun. 28 to Jun. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Cusack

10 Entries

July 1, 2014

Dear Maureen and Family,
It was wonderful to read about your father. What a gentleman and model for all. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and send my deep regrets. Janice Roberts

July 1, 2014

Joan, I just found out about Tom and I can't tell you how sorry I am. You know he held a very special place in my heart...Gerri Keating

Joe Bidwill

June 30, 2014

Joan,
So sorry to hear about Tom ,he was a great friend of our family for many years and I will always remember his coaching me in sports and life! He was a great father and truly a man of faith.Our prayers are with your family.

Fr. Steve Shafran, SDB

June 30, 2014

Our heartfelt sympathies to Joan (who serves on our Board of Directors), Michael and the Cusack family. What an incredible life "Coach Cuz" had and an inspiration not only to family but to all of us who love God, Family and friends.... I pray that our students have mentors in the very same mold. I will celebrate a Mass for his repose and for the Consolation of the Family. Fr. Steve Shafran, SDB and the Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School and Corporate Work Study Program Family, Takoma Park, Maryland

Ruairi Gogan

June 29, 2014

Very sorry to hear about your Dad. I always remember him as Coach Cusack. The post game chats after little league games 'Take a knee boys'. Great guy.

Mary Beth and Pat Moorhead

June 29, 2014

Our condolences to the immediate and extended Cusack family at this challenging time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Beth and Patrick Moorhead, Deerfield, Il.

John Clegg

June 28, 2014

What an incredibly committed, engaged and fundamentally strong life Mr. Cusack lived...in his his youth, his family, his country and his World. We are lucky enough to see it and share it in his son Kevin. Condolences and Love to all the Cusacks and job well done to Coach Cuz! Rest in Peace...

Mike Houlihan

June 28, 2014

Joan & family-sorry for your loss, Tom was a great guy, God rest his lovely soul.

Michael L. Bono

June 28, 2014

I had the privilege of working with, and for, Mr. Thomas Cusack, Jr., while he was a member of the Political Action Committee of the Northwest Real Estate Board, one of several committees on which he served with great distinction.

The phrase "... he served with great distinction" truly applies to all of his personal endeavors, throughout his life.

A cheerful, intelligent, and compassionate man, Mr. Cusack was, also, an innovative leader ... a good, loyal friend -- a "Stand-Up Guy" -- someone who could be counted on when correct decisions had to be made and the right course was to be followed.

Not only was Thomas Cusack, Jr. an ethical and successful businessman (and elected leader) with a strong moral code, it must also be mentioned that Mr. Cusack served our nation with distinction as a member of two elite United States Army groups: in World War Two -- under Colonel William Donovan's Office of Strategic Services (the "O.S.S."), and in Korea, with the famed 10th Mountain Division. He truly loved his country, and -- for his entire life -- was a genuine "Great American."

"What sort of man was Tom Cusack?" Believe me: when he walked into a meeting or group ... everyone knew, without question, that a truly "special" person had just entered the room.

A decorated Army veteran ... successful businessman ... noted civic and political leader ... wonderful and steadfastly loyal personal friend ... loving and compassionate family man: Thomas Cusack, Jr. was a truly great man, and he'll be remembered and missed:
Men like him just don't come around very often.

Michael L. Bono

June 28, 2014

MAY GOD BLESS THE SOUL OF THIS TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT: THOMAS CUSACK, JR.

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