John Cusick

John Henry Cusick Jr., "Jack", 81, of Morehead City died on Thursday, December 31 at his home in Morehead City, North Carolina. Jack was born on March 31, 1928 in East Orange, NJ, to Elizabeth Hemphill Cusick and John Henry Cusick Sr. He was raised in Bloomfield, NJ and graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1945. Jack attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA where he was a member of the ROTC and the Chi Psi fraternity. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in both Business Administration and Industrial Engineering from the University.

Mr. Cusick?s college education was interrupted while he served with the U.S. Army infantry in Japan and later, after finishing school, he continued to serve as a First Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps while stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. In later years he was a member of the U.S. Army Corps Ordnance Association. Following his Army service Mr. Cusick joined the Colgate-Palmolive Corporation in New York City. He began his career as an industrial engineer and later became one of the first members of Colgate's computer division, serving as a programmer and a systems analyst. Mr. Cusick retired from Colgate in 1986 after more than thirty years of service.

After his retirement from Colgate-Palmolive, he and his wife Doris Dafter Cusick, "Dodie", worked together in real estate for several years. After living in Glen Ridge, NJ for 30 years they retired to Morehead City. Here, Jack patiently cared for his terminally?ill wife Dodie, who suffered from Alzheimer?s Disease, at their home, until her death in 2004. He was a steady, constant source of support and love for his family. His unselfish life provided a role model to his children and grandchildren as one that exemplified commitment, loyalty and unconditional love.

In happier times Mr. Cusick and his family spent many wonderful summers in Maine and on his blueberry farm in New Brunswick, Canada. His interests did not extend far from his family, as his family was his pride and joy. He and his wife were referred to by loved ones as "Doe/Da." He was proud of all his grandchildren and happy this fall to have met his first great-grandson, who was named after him.

In addition to his wife and parents, his brother and two sisters preceded Jack in death. Mr. Cusick leaves behind three daughters: Debbie Cusick of Glen Ridge, NJ, Patricia Zirul of Cedar Grove, NJ, and Amy Voorhees of Morehead City. He also leaves sons-in-law Chad Voorhees and Victor Zirul, grandchildren Brock Cusick, Chad, Paige and Tim Voorhees, and Scott and Tori Zirul, grand-daughter-in-law Wendy Cusick, great-grandson John Henry Cusick III, and faithful companion Skippy.

As long time members of the Congregational Church, Dodie and Jack will be laid to rest together this spring in the Garden of Memory at the Glen Ridge Congregational Church in Glen Ridge, NJ where he served on the church council for many years. A burial service will take place at that time.

An informal Memorial will be held this Saturday, January 9th, at his home located at 2908 Evans Street in Morehead City. The family will greet and welcome family and friends between the hours of 2-4 p.m.

If any wish to give a gift in his name, a memorial contribution can be made to: The Alzheimer's Association in Eastern North Carolina
3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612 Phone 919.573.1851 Toll free 800.272.3900