John Wilson McCusker

John Wilson McCusker, 82, of Yarmouthport, MA, and previously Santa Fe, NM, died peacefully in Hingham, MA, following complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Known for his fun-loving personality, keen wit, and love of travel and dogs, he lived a full and adventurous life, highlighted by many deep and long-lasting friendships.

Born and raised in Quincy, MA, Mr. McCusker ran with a group of neighborhood boys and girls who became dear friends and remained close throughout the eight decades that followed. He attended middle school at Thayerlands in Braintree, MA, where he was elected class president, and high school at Thayer Academy, graduating in 1960. Summers throughout his childhood were spent in seaside communities, Scituate and then Eastham, MA. While on Cape Cod he added to his constellation of life-long friends and developed a love of sailing catboats at the Orleans Yacht Club, where he became Junior Commodore.

Mr. McCusker earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Education degrees at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he fed his love of history and government. Upon graduation, he traveled solo around the world, visiting six different continents. Returning home, he began his first of two career paths, teaching History and Social Studies at Andover High School, and was later named “Teacher of the Year.” Mr. McCusker and an Andover history student were once invited guests at a two-day Senate House foreign affairs conference on U.S. China policy in Washington, D.C. He served as president of the Andover Federation of Teachers, where he focused on improving the conditions and salaries for teachers through collective bargaining. After 10 year of teaching, Mr. McCusker began his second career, turning his talents to real estate. He joined the Andover office of Hunneman and Co. as a broker and swiftly rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as a Vice-President.

Upon retirement, Mr. McCusker moved to Eastham and began to travel more extensively. He later moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and in true form, quickly made new friends and regularly hosted others from back East. He enjoyed the Santa Fe Opera and became an avid supporter of the Lensic Theater, Espanola Valley Humane Society, and Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society. He ultimately moved back to the Cape, settling in Yarmouthport.

Mr. McCusker is predeceased by his parents Georgia and Henry McCusker of Quincy, MA, and is survived by his sister Anne McCusker Peirce of Chatham, MA; nieces Georgia Peirce (Vicary Graham) of Boston and Michelle Peirce (Caroline Kuhlman) of Charlestown; and grand-nephews Henry and Robert Kuhlman Peirce.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Monday, July 8, from 4-7 P.M. at the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington Street, Braintree. A gathering will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 9, before proceeding to a 10:30 A.M. Funeral Mass at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 856 Washington Street, South Braintree Square. The Reverend Father Richard Roy, former pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans, MA, will be the principal celebrant. Burial will take place at Blue Hill Cemetery with a reception in Quincy to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Thayer Academy Financial Aid Fund, 745 Washington St., Braintree, MA 02184.