Darrell A. Cusick passed away in Mesa Arizona on September 2, 2019, having spent his last days with his children. He was born in Waukesha Wisconsin, on February 18, 1932, and attended school in Duplaineville and Hartland, Wisconsin.
Raised by his mother, Arlyle Kerr, and adopted by his beloved stepfather Chester Cusick, Darrell - who family and friends always called "Pete" - spent time helping out on the family farm. At one point when Chester broke his leg, he had to both run the farm and attend school, which resulted in him falling asleep during class at times. His parents later gave him a baby brother, Chet, with whom he has stayed in touch during his life despite the geographical distance between them. He also enjoyed the company of his many aunts, uncles and cousins who lived in the area.
Before finishing high school, Darrell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March of 1950. He was sent to Korea soon thereafter, where he saw combat during the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart Medal after a mortar shell exploded near him. He was honorably discharged two years later having attained the rank of Sargeant, but returned to service in January of 1960 until he left in 1963. During this time of service, he was sent to Florida to await orders during the Cuban Missle Crisis.
In between his two periods of service in the Marines, he met the sister of one of his fellow soldiers, and they fell in love and got married. The marriage between Darrell and his bride Jeanette Myers took place in North Carolina on May 29th, 1959.
During the next several years, Darrell and Jeanette raised four children at Camp Lejeune and Hartland Wisconsin. Darrell enjoyed long and successful career as a union carpenter, having risen to the level of foreman on many large projects including Froedtert Hospital and several other buildings in downtown Milwaukee, including on the Marquette University campus. He was known for his solid work ethic and honesty on the job.
In the mid-90s, Darrell and Jeanette both retired and moved to Mesa Arizona, where they enjoyed the weather and decided to live year-round. After Jeanette lost her battle with cancer in October of 2000, he decided to stay in Mesa where he had made many friends, including those who worked at and frequented his favorite local bar. He would often speak fondly of these friends, who would help him trim his trees, get him to his doctor appointments, and would never let him pay for his own meals.
Darrell was very happy in his final days, and was living an independent life - on his own terms.
Darrell was preceded in death by his mother Arlyle Cusick, née Kerr, his stepfather Chester Cusick, and his wife Jeanette Cusick. He is survived by his children, Jay Cusick, Jill Cusick, Jodi Cusick and Joseph Cusick, his grandchildren Matthew Cusick and Lexi Acosta, and his brother Chet Cusick.
Services to be held on Thursday, September 12 at 1:00 pm at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Road Mesa, AZ 85206. Prior to the service, the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders will be doing a Circle of Honor at 12:00 pm.
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