Obituary of David P Cusick

David P. Cusick, age 89, passed away on Monday, May 4 at his home in Manalapan, NJ.  Born in Boston on October 29, 1930 to the late Joseph and Evelyn (Jordan), David was an artist, a teacher, a Jesuit priest, a devoted husband, a life long friend. 

 

After graduating Boston College High School in 1948, David entered the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus in Wernersville, PA and was ordained in 1961.  He remained a Jesuit until 1989, when he married his wife, Christina.  He received a B.A. in English and American literature, with a minor in classical languages (Latin and Greek) from Georgetown and Fordham Universities in 1954; M.A. in English literature from Fordham, 1956; S.T.B.   From Woodstock College, Md., 1961; and M.A. in Secondary Art Education from N.Y.U., 1968.

 

While a member of the Jesuits, David taught Latin at Loyola High School, Md. And Scranton Prep School, Pa.; fine arts at Georgetown Prep School, Md. And St. Peter’s College, Jersey City.  Thereafter he taught Latin and English at Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, NJ.  After his retirement in 1998, he continued to teach Latin through private tutoring and on an interim basis at High Technology High School in Lincroft, NJ and the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District. 

 

Predeceased by his brother, Joseph and sister, Isabel Bedigan.  Survived by loving wife, Christina Sawinski and his sister, Mary Lovett of Quincy, Ma., as well as many nieces and nephews, loving in-laws, life long friends and extended family in Ireland.

David was a long time painter, studying under noted artists in New York, winning awards and exhibiting his work.  He was a passionate lover of nature, drawing artistic inspiration from the New England landscape of his upbringing.  He was a man of many talents, an avid reader, a lover of words and languages, a writer of poetry.  He was intellectually curious and deeply spiritual, constant in his Catholic faith.  He loved to sing, play the guitar, and was a former member of Philomusica concert choir.  He traveled widely throughout Europe; loved to bike, hike, ski, garden, tinker, and build. He was an engaging conversationalist, a patient teacher, a compassionate listener and wise counselor.  He will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature and for his undying dedication to his students, family and friends.

 

No services will be held due to the current pandemic.  A memorial service will be arranged at a later date.  Donations may be made to any local food bank or pantry.