Frank A. Cusumano, Sr. August 19, 1926 – February 20, 2015.
Frank A. Cusumano, Sr., age 88 and a resident of Clinton Township, died peacefully on February 20, 2015, at Wm. Beaumont Hospital, Troy, MI. Frank was attended by several of his children at the hour of his passing. Frank’s cheerful disposition, good natured humor and impeccable storytelling ability will be missed by his family and all that knew him.
Frank was born on August 19, 1926 to Domenico and Flavia Cusumano (née Palazzola) in Detroit, MI. Frank graduated from Detroit’s Denby High School in 1944 and continued working with his father and brothers, Dominic Cusumano, Jr. and Salvatore (Sam) Cusumano at Dominic Cusumano & Sons Produce. Frank married his lifelong love, Marie Cusumano (née Lumetta), and together they raised their seven children in their home in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI. After WWII, the brothers formed Cusumano Brothers Produce, Co., and distributed fresh produce to the Detroit region, statewide, and out of state. At its zenith, Cusumano Bros. grew to become one of the highest revenue distributors of fresh produce in the United States. In the 1990s, Frank supplied local top chefs with fresh exotic produce items through United Specialty Produce in the historic Detroit Eastern Market.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Marie A. Cusumano, and his seven children. Flora Marie Cusumano, Frances Chigi (FKA Neuman), Theresa Cusumano, Dominic Cusumano, Maria Cusumano-Towner, Vincent Cusumano, and Frank Cusumano, Jr. Frank is predeceased by his four brothers who died in infancy, his brothers, Dominic Cusumano, Jr. of Clinton Township and Salvatore (Sam) Cusumano of Harrison Township, and his grandson Ethan Cusumano. Frank is survived by his fourteen grandchildren, Christa Anahata Neuman, Christopher Neuman, Marco Towner, Vincent Cusumano, Roma Cusumano, Frank Cusumano III, Francesca Cusumano, Giovanna Cusumano, Lillian Cusumano, Gabriel Cusumano, Aidan Cusumano, Giuliana Cusumano, Francesco Cusumano, and Antonina Cusumano and his great granddaughter Lucy Neuman.
An accomplished horseshoe player, and avid lifelong bowler, Frank bowled a 225 game at age 87, and was active at the Clinton Township Senior Center for over 15 year until his recent illness.
Roman Catholic funeral services will be held at St. Paul of Tarsus Church, 41300 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township on Tues., Feb. 24, 2015 at 9:30 AM and final in state presentment at 9 AM. Committal will be on Weds. Feb. 25, 2015 at 11 AM, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 17100 Van Dyke Avenue, Detroit, MI. Visitation will be at Lee-Ellena Funeral Home, 46530 Romeo Plank (N. of Hall Rd.), Macomb, MI. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, 3-8 PM with Rosary Prayers at 7PM.