Joseph J. Fusco, Md

A longtime resident of Hillsdale, Dr. Fusco was born August 3, 1928 in Harlem, NY to the late Joseph and Santina Fusco and grew up in the Bronx. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Columbia University and his Doctor of Medicine at New York University Bellevue College of Medicine. After interning at Cincinnati General Hospital (OH), he filled a medical residency at Philadelphia General Hospital (PA). During the Korean War, Dr. Fusco was a Captain in the Air Force Medical Corps, stationed in France, where he met his wife Isabell, a Registered Nurse. They were happily married for 60 years.

After returning home from France, he finished his residency with Dr. Paul Beeson, an infectious disease specialist at Yale University. Following further training as a medical resident at Hartford and Grace-New Haven hospitals in Connecticut, Dr. Fusco joined the Rip Van Winkle Clinic in Hudson, NY as an internist at its Hillsdale branch and was appointed to Columbia Memorial Hospital's Department of Medicine in 1958. In 1963 he received certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and an associate membership in the American College of Physicians, an organization of medical specialists. After the dissolution of the clinic in 1964, he continued in private practice in Hillsdale and joined Prime Columbia Greene Medical Associates in Hudson, NY.

During his long tenure in Hudson, he served on the Board of Directors at Columbia Memorial Hospital from 1990-2008. Dr. Fusco practiced medicine for 63 years, finishing his career at the Pine Haven Nursing Home in Philmont, NY at the age of 87.

In 2002, he received a citation from the Medical Society of the State of New York in recognition of 50 years devoted to the service of the public in the practice of medicine. Carol French, a Registered Nurse who worked with Dr. Fusco for over three decades said: "He's a very kind and caring person and it shows. He has an old-fashioned relationship with his patients. Everyone's in love with him."

He was a member of the Roeliff Jansen Lion's Club, The Potts Foundation and The Rheinstrom Foundation, supporting local individuals and activities.

Dr. Fusco had two loves in his life - his study and practice of medicine and his family. He spent his life tirelessly caring for others, and he died at home on June 16, 2016 surrounded by the love and care of family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife Isabell, and his four children, Joseph (and spouse Karen Parker), John, Frances, and Joan (and spouse Gerard Walshe); grandson Daniel; niece Maria Varunok, nephews Yvon, Andre, Peter and Paul Varunok. He was predeceased by his younger sister Victoria Varunok.

The family welcomes your fond remembrances of Dr. Fusco by signing the online Condolences and Memories Book at Peck and Peck Funeral Homes. (www.peckandpeck.net)

True to his humble nature, he did not wish for a formal service. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Community Hospice of Columbia - Greene, 47 Liberty St., Catskill NY 12414 or The Roeliff Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22, Hillsdale NY 12529.

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