Robert (Chief) L. Cusson, Sr
June 21, 1933 – April 8, 2022
Windham - Robert “Chief” L. Cusson, Sr., 88, died on Friday, April 8, 2022 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT.
Robert Louis Cusson, Sr. was born in 1933 in Thompson, CT, the son of Major and Ida (Beaudoin) Cusson.
His greatest passion was his family, and on any day, any holiday, and especially any day in the summer, which officially started with Pappy’s motorcycle run and ended on Labor Day, was an excuse to bring his family together with music, much laughter, food, and swimming in the pool.
He was driven and loved anything mechanical or with an engine, from the wrecker he drove during his first job at a garage before having a driver’s license; to maintaining trucks and helicopters during his days in the motor pool in the United States Army during the time of the Korean Conflict; to any kind of car through his 25-plus years in the automotive industry.
He enjoyed quarter midget racing with his children, riding motorcycles, boating, and fishing. He had a deep appreciation for the beauty of a sunrise and of nature, and the joy from a day out with family and friends on Long Island Sound.
His careers also included nearly 20 years at Electric Boat, General Dynamics as a machinist supervisor, and several entrepreneurial endeavors with his own businesses. He was a man of many talents and could build a home, install plumbing, electrical, and landscaping.
He had a quiet demeaner, unending compassion, a strong belief in God and people, and a sense of humor that never quit.
He was the beloved husband of 53 years of the late Jacqueline (Cotnoir) Cusson, who died in December 2007.
He will be greatly missed and is survived by his brother Theodore Cusson of Mancester, NH; his companion and best friend, Priscilla Trudeau of Chaplin, CT; his daughters Deb Cusson of Enfield, CT; Cheryl (Heidi) Cusson of Dayville, his son Ken (Linda) Cusson of Providence, RI; youngest daughter Renée (Al) Werling of Pawcatuck, CT; his grandchildren: Brooks Swinnerton, Emily and Domenic Cusson, Wyatt and Phoebe Werling, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends from the Dunkin Donuts breakfast club.
He was predeceased by his son Robert Cusson, Jr., his brothers Leonard and Victor, his sisters Sr. Cécile Cusson, DHS, Anita Ducat, and Margaret Auger.
A Mass to celebrate Chief’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 20th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT. Masks are required at the church. There are no calling hours.
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