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Frank Fuzzy Fusco, Honorary Member
Frank Fusco, noted award winning photographer and promoter passed away on Saturday, April 29th 2006 of complications following a stroke and protracted illness. He was 72.
Francis L. Fusco was born of Salvatore, an Italian immigrant, and Maria Fusco on May 5th, 1933. He grew up in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. There, he attended Cardinal Hayes parochial school. He moved into Eastchester with his family in 1949 and completed his high school Education at Eastchester High School. There, he met his high school sweetheart, Antoinette Piazza.
Frank’s nickname, Fuzzy was the result of one of his signature trademarks. Frank loved to entertain. And from as early as his school days, to as recently as 3 years ago, Frank has made himself up as “Fuzzy the Clown”. Fuzzy was a mime modeled after Emmett Kelly, Jr. He played for the pleasure of many audiences, young and old. He continues to be referred to as Fuzzy by his friends and family. His grandchildren affectionately named him “Papa Fuzz”.
Frank was a graduate of EHS in the Class of `52. While there, he took countless photos that hang in the school's hallways to this day. He credits one of his high school teachers with inspiring what was to become his life’s passion…Photography. In 1949, he entered a national student photographer’s competition, and received his first honor for his work. After graduation, he went on to join the U.S.Army. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal and upon returning to Eastchester, began his life's work at 213 Main Street in the Photographic Studio he founded, Frann Studios.
Frank married Antoinette November 20th, 1954. His daughter Maria was born in 1956, his son Anthony was born in 1960 and his son Frank was born in 1962. After a brief bout with Cancer, Antoinette passed away in May of 1962.
In 1965, Frank moved his studio to 419 White Plains Road where his signature display windows adorned the center of town for almost 20 years. In 1967, He married Ann DeMicco and together they continued to grow the Studio business. In 1984 he moved his business to his home in town and subsequently retired from photography in 1988.
During his near 40 year tenure as a local photographer, Frank was a member of the Eastchester Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding member of the Westchester Professional Photographers Association since 1962. Frank recorded many important events and persons in and around town. One of the few photographers to print many of his color portraits in his own lab, Frank earned the respect and admiration of his peers as an innovator in his craft.
He since went on to become the President of the Westchester Professional Photographers Association in 1975 and then the Professional Photographers Society of New York in 1976. Frank has lectured about photography around the country and has competed in and judged, many Photographic Print Competitions around the Country and in Canada, as well. He earned the distinction of Master of Photography in 1969 and Photographic Craftsman while a member of the Professional Photographers of America. He remained a member in good standing until his death.
He had been one of three remaining charter members of the Eastchester Rotary Club since its inception in 1963. He sat on the Board of Directors for most of his tenure. He is a Past President and the recipient of the distinguished Rotary International Paul Harris Award. As a member of the Rotary Club, Frank has participated in many causes undertaken by the Rotary, including the still growing Gift of Life program which brings in children with congenital heart defects from other countries. They would otherwise not have lived without the lifesaving surgery coordinated by the various participating Rotary Clubs.
He met Carole Fragasso, his companion of 25 years, in 1979. And in 1988, Frank began a new chapter in his career. He began promoting collector’s shows at various venues including the Westchester County Center and the New York Armory. The Westchester Toy and Train Show continues to draw crowds to its numerous booths of collectibles to this day. He finally retired in 1998. In 2003, he was inducted to the Eastchester High School Hall of Fame for his work in the Arts.
Frank was a patron of the arts, studying at every chance he got, the great works of many of the classic painters. He frequently attended the Theater and Opera. He was a movie buff and prided himself on a library of movie nostalgia.
All his life, Frank has never sought but has been thrust into the center of attention. He never asked for recognition. In fact he shied away from it, more so in his later years. Frank exemplified the Rotary motto, Service above Self”.
Frank is the cherished father of Maria DeCecco and her husband John, of Eastchester; Anthony and his wife Victoria, of Mahopac; and Frank of White Plains; 2 step-children Scott DeMicco and his wife Terry, of West Islip; Pamela Marzano and her husband John, of Ardsley; and 12 grandchildren, John, Danny and Matthew DeCecco; Nicholas, Alessandra, Anthony, Christopher, Victoria and Isabella Fusco; Haleigh and Tyler Marzano; and Peter DeMicco. Loving brother of Antoinette Bonci and her husband Ed of Tuckahoe and 32 nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony. Frank will be sorely missed.
For a full Bio on “Fuzzy” please visit www.fusco.org/fuzzy and to sign an online register book, visit
www.westchesterfuneralhome.com
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