Obituaries

Martin J. “Marty” Cusick, 81, returned home to Jesus, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lowe Cusick, who recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on October 9th.

Marty was raised in South Scranton by the late Joseph E. and Claire M. Best Cusick. He graduated from Scranton Technical High School in 1961 and then served in the United States Air Force, which began his long life of service to others. He retired as a Senior System Programming Analyst with over 40 years of experience.

Marty was a Life Member of the Florin Fire Company in Mount Joy, a Life Member and past Fire Chief, Captain, and Safety and Training Officer with Taylor Fire and Rescue #3, and a Bethlehem Township Fire Departmentfirefighter. He currently held the position of Emergency Management Director for the borough of Taylor. For over 20 years, he was a Pennsylvania State Fire Safety Instructor in Monroe and Pike Counties Public Safety Training Centersand taught his last class on June 22, 2024. His passion for fire safety and education will always be remembered.

Marty graduated Magna Cum Laude from Luzerne County Community College with an associate’s degree in applied science in May 2000. He held multiple “Certificates of Completion” in county, state, and national firefighting. Martyenjoyed taking Spanish Courses for Police and EMS First Responders. He alsoserved many decades as a volunteer football coach for West Scranton Falcons.

Marty was a devoted catholic, attending church almost every day and a member of Saint Patrick Parish in West Scranton. He loved cheering on his favorite teams, the Washington Redskins, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Marty and Kathy enjoyed the company of and traveling with his siblings, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He loved visiting the beach each summer with his children and especially loved caring for his two granddaughters, who affectionately called him “Pop C.”

Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughter Jennifer and her partner, Brian Coleman, and his daughter Ariel; his son Joseph “Joe Willy” and his wife, Shannon; his granddaughters Keira and Jocelyn; his sister, Ann Zawadzki and husband, Joseph; his sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Cusick; sister-in-law, Majorie Harrington; brother-in-law, Benjamin Lowe and wife, Nettie; sister-in-law, Debra Swartz and husband, Joseph; and sister-in-law, Barbara Jones and husband, Robert; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Claire Cusick; his in-laws, Benjamin and Alberta Lowe; his niece, Rachel Cusick; his brother, William “Bill” Cusick; and his brother-in-law, Dennis “Danny” Harrington.

His family would like to thank the staff of the Regional Hospital and Hematology & Oncology Associates of NEPA and all his friends for their unwavering support during Marty’s illness.

Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Thursday at 9:15 am from Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street, Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. The Taylor Fire Department will perform the burial with honors at the Cathedral Cemetery.

 Family and friends may pay their respects Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504.

Memorial contributions may be made in Marty’s name to St. Patrick’s Church Food Pantry, 1401 Jackson Street, Scranton, PA 18504, or Saint Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home,  Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton, 18504.