Woodmere resident Josephine Fusco dies at 88

Posted

Far Rockaway High School alumnus and Woodmere resident Josephine Fusco died on Oct. 21, from kidney disease. She was 88. 

Fusco was a bus driver for more than 30 years for the locally owned Independent Coach Corporation. A Facebook post from the company noted her death. “Our long-time valued, retired bus driver and friend Josephine Fusco has passed away. She should be remembered for her smile and friendliness to all. She was dedicated to the safety of her students.” 

Fusco drove until she was 85. She mostly operated the large school bus filled with middle school students. Her daughter, Janis Fusco, said her mother had great relationships with all her student passengers, and they never gave her a hard time doing what she loved.  “She never had a complaint from the children,” McDonnell said. “They loved her, and she loved them.”

Work was not only her job, but it was her hobby. Rain or snow, Fusco found a way to go. Janis can recall when she told her mom that she would not shovel her driveway for her to get to work, which did not stop Fusco as she drove over the snow. Fusco didn’t stop until her family forced the octanagerian to retire. “She was very upset,” Janice said. After she hung up the keys, Fusco spent more time caring for her sister and grandchildren. 

Fusco’s son, Peter Fusco, remembers his mom as, “The most incredible mother and human being. She always cared for others in their time of need.” Friend Cheryl Wilson, who shared a memory of her friend on legacy.com, wrote, “She was always cracking jokes and making the people around her have a warm sense of well-being.”

The family had a private service with immediate family. Fusco was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Fusco, and is survived by her children Nancy Frontino, Janis Fusco, and Peter Fusco.