Joseph Cusumano, 83, Purple Heart Awarded Veteran, World War II

He was born Sept. 1, 1923 in Manhattan, New York. At the age of 18, and in the midst of World War II, he enlisted into the Air Force. He bravely served with the 449th Bombardment Group, stationed in Grottaglia, Italy. He was wounded while on his 50th and final mission and received numerous awards including the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters.

After the war, Joe was employed as an iron worker, and later worked 26 years as a distributor for Frito-Lay. Following retirement, he worked part-time as a custodian for First Lutheran Church of Lorain.

Joe enjoyed life to the fullest and his hobbies included golf, woodworking, and leathercraft.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ireta (nee Sooy); three sons, Samuel of Orlando, FL, Ted of Fort Worth, TX, and Jon of Lorain; two daughters, Joy Sheets of Vermilion, and Nita Brennen of Lorain; 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Virginia (nee Rosa) Cusumano; two brothers, Benny and Tony; and two sisters, Frances Cilano and Anna Rossi.

Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Dombrowski-Humphrey-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. A service will be held there at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2006. The Rev. Jimmy Madsen, co-pastor at First Lutheran Church, will officiate.

Burial with military honors will be in Ridge Hill Cemetery, Amherst.