Herbert S. Kusako Jr.

OLD LYME Herbert S. Kusako Jr. "Beloved husband, father & grandfather" Herbert Stanislaus Kusako, Jr., of Old Lyme, formerly of Waterbury, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on September 8, 2025. Born on August 29, 1953, in Mannheim, Germany, to Army Sergeant Herbert S. Kusako, Sr. and Charlotte Helen Peek, Herb spent his childhood moving between military bases in Germany, France, Virginia, and Massachusetts. After completing two years of high school in Bremerhaven, Germany, where he excelled athletically and academically, he returned to Connecticut and graduated from Ansonia High School. He went on to earn degrees in Political Science and German Language from the University of Connecticut, where he also joined ROTC. It was during this time that Herbert was introduced to Cheryl Orsatti, who became the love of his life. Their courtship began over strawberry shortcake in her mother's kitchen and grew into a partnership that spanned nearly five decades. They were married on July 16, 1977, at St. Thomas Church in Waterbury, and soon returned to Germany for Herb's military service before settling back in Connecticut to raise their three children. Herb's professional life reflected his dedication to service and learning. He worked for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Emergency Management and later the Department of Labor, while also earning a law degree and, later, a master's in special education. After retirement, he continued to share his knowledge through teaching and mentoring. He also gave back to his alma mater, serving as President of the Board of Alumni of the University of Massachusetts School of Law, a role through which he strengthened ties between the university and its graduates. Beyond his career, Herb's joys were simple and meaningful: golfing, collecting stamps, coins, and comic books, traveling, and sharing meals with family and friends. Above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren, Biatta and Brock, who brought him his greatest happiness. Known for his generosity and steady wisdom, Herb was the person everyone could count on to help solve a problem or offer guidance. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Masonicare, Right at Home, and especially Shadrack and Jemima, whose compassion, care, and unwavering support brought comfort and dignity to Herb and his loved ones throughout his illness. He will be dearly missed by his wife Cheryl, his children Herbert III, Vanessa, and Brandon, his beloved grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to know him. Arrangements: A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2205, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., at Chase Parkway Memorial, The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Waterbury. Entombment will follow at the Calvary Queen of Peace Mausoleum in Waterbury with full military honors. Memorial contributions can be made in Herbert's memory to: www.cjdfoundation.org/donate