Larry Cusimano

Laurence R. Cusimano, 66, Grandview, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 after a long, determined, and courageous battle with cancer. Larry was born in Whittier, California, on June 16, 1943 to Lawrence R. and Dorothy H. (Chilson) Cusimano. He spent his youth in Loup City, Nebraska, and graduated from Loup City High School in 1961. Starting at age 14, Larry worked every summer for Dobson Brothers Construction, building highway across Nebraska before graduating from Nebraska Vocational Technical School in Milford, Nebraska, in 1964. He married Lynn Sue Ritchie on July 8, 1962. Larry managed Rolfsmeier Body Shop in Seward, Nebraska, from 1964 to 1973 and was active in the Seward Volunteer Fire Department. He was the owner/operator of Larry's Body Shop in Arcadia, Nebraska, from 1973 to 1990, where he also served on the Village Board and was a volunteer fireman. He married Ellynn Kay Sell on August 1, 1977. In 1990, Larry and Linnie relocated to Grandview, Missouri, where he worked as an auto damage appraiser for State Farm until retiring in 2007 and then working part-time for an appraisal service. Larry loved his family, his dogs, playing cards, hunting and fishing. He made friends wherever he went and treasured his time outdoors with his friends, particularly at deer camp where he will be sorely missed for his shooting skill.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara (Siecke), beloved brother-in-law Daryl Siecke, and faithful companion, Tuck. He is survived by his devoted and dearly loved wife of thirty-two years, Linnie Cusimano; faithful companions T.J. and Lucy, all of Grandview, Missouri, one son and daughter-in-law, Lanny and Becki (Sell) Cusimano of Bettendorf, Iowa; one daughter and son-in-law, Lori Cusimano-Eurich and Todd Eurich of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Allyssa Cusimano, Trevin Cusimano, Nicholas Eurich and Noah Eurich; extended family, countless friends and our treasured memories. Free from the pain of cancer and the burdens of this earth, Larry joyfully breathes the fresh air of a new life.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 20, from 5-7 p.m., at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line, Kansas City, Missouri. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 21, at Central Free Will Baptist Church, 3200 Blue Ridge Extension, Grandview, MO, 64030. The family suggests memorials be made to the donor's choice.