Douglas C. Cusano

May 23, 1954 - November 28, 2013

HALFMOON – Douglas C. Cusano, 59, entered into eternal peace on Thanksgiving evening, at Ellis Hospital, succumbing to a 55 year battle with Diabetes. Doug was born in Niskayuna, a son of Dominic and Theresa Cusano. He attended Niskayuna schools and was a member of the 1972 graduating class of Niskayuna High School. Doug attended Niagara University before pursuing his passion and love of music, at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. As a musician, bassist and vocalist, he played locally with the bands; Fox Fire, Titan Strong and Hot Shot. He owned and operated Step-Up Gallery in Schenectady. Doug worked as an installation manager in the floor covering industry, with Boulevard Rug, David Louis Floor Covering and Carpet Master, before becoming disabled. He was a man of strength and determination, devoted to and providing for his loving family. His passions were music, boating, the NY Yankees and the love of his dogs. Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Patricia A. Serafini Cusano; loving children, Douglas P. Cusano, of Elmsford and his fiancée, Cara Relic; Geoffrey S. Cusano, of Malta and Cristina M. Cusano, of Clifton Park; father, Dominic Cusano and his wife Patricia, of Niskayuna; mother, Theresa Romania, of Loudonville; siblings, Dennis Cusano, of Glenville and Diane T. Sleasman and her husband John, of Halfmoon; father-in-law, Francesco Serafini, of Schenectady and his late wife Maria Serafini; "his four legged kids", Honey and Paco. Several aunts, uncles, sister and brother- in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends also survive. With sincere gratitude, the Cusano family thanks Dr. Rachid Daoui, and the Rubin Dialysis Center for the wonderful care, compassion and encouragement over the years. Services will be held on Tuesday at 8am from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Union at N. Jay Streets and then to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Rosa Road Campus, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9am. Interment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Monday evening from 4 to 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Doug's memory to the American Diabetes Association, Pine West Plaza, Bldg. 2, Suite 204, Washington Ave Extension, Albany, NY 12205 or online at www.diabetes.org/ or the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300,Rockville, MD 20852, or online at www.kidneyfund.org/give-now/