A Time to Be Born

On Thursday, January 17, 1924, in the rural area of Dorchester, South Carolina, God filled the home and hearts of the late Frank and Geanette Cusack with a gift. It was the day that Richard Cusack entered this world. His incredible journey began on that day in 1924 and ninety-seven years and eleven months later, God called Richard home to Glory.

Ironically, Richard was born in the year of the first Colored Baseball World Series. Throughout his life, baseball was Richard's favorite pastime. He believed that it was one of the greatest games ever created. Times were hard all over America and especially in rural areas. Black people in America were subjected to Jim Crow laws. Despite all of the odds, Richard's parents had great expectations of their son, who lived through many challenges and triumphs.

Richard was always a hard worker and at an early age developed an incredible work ethic that became the focal point of his success throughout his life. He joined his siblings Eva, Ollie, Janie, Willie Lee, Frank, Eastmond and Kingmon in working their father's farmland.   His devotion to hard work was only superseded by his love of the Lord. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at New Hope AME Church.

A Time to Love

The love story of Richard and Annie Cusack began with a request Richard made of his friend Willis Haynes. He asked Willis if his lovely wife had more sisters. Willis and Celie introduced him to Annie Brothers and for nearly seventy years, she was the love of his life. They entered into holy matrimony on Saturday, November 20, 1948. Annie and Richard raised a family, traveled, made many friends, and enjoyed their life together.

A Time to Live

As a couple, the Cusacks decided that they needed to leave South Carolina to seek better opportunities for work and their lives. In 1950, they first tried life in Florida. And, in 1951 the Cusacks migrated north to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For the next forty-three years, the Cusacks expanded their family and their chosen life's work.

Richard and Annie were blessed with three children Geneva, David (preceded him in death), and Renée.

The Cusacks were very active members of the St. Matthew AME Church. Richard was a proud usher and took his responsibilities seriously. Daughters Geneva and Renee fondly remember his strut around the church. They also remember how their father loved to travel with the Masons, community group, street club, and the trips to Atlantic City, Bahamas and Vegas. Richard had no equals on the dance floor. He simply loved music and loved to dance. Richard's taste in music ranged from Sam Cooke, good gospels and spirituals, James Cleveland, traditional jazz, Dizzy Gillespie and Isaac Hayes. Richard was also a proud member of Prince Hall Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, Laurel Lodge #2 in Philadelphia, PA.

When he initially moved to Philly, Richard found work as a laborer. He later became a master brick mason. His work legacy, while working for 42 years at Kasco, includes building hospitals, shopping centers and schools around the Philadelphia Metro area.

Many people benefited from Richard's handyman skills. "My Dad fixed everything, says Geneva. Whenever I needed anything fixed, I called my father." Richard was very generous with his gift of repair with family and friends.

In his quiet way, Richard taught his children life lessons. They remember outings to watch airplanes land and take off. He was a good listener with a big heart. Renée remembers a memorable exchange. "When I left home to move to DC, we sat down, and he expressed how he wanted me to do well and stay safe."

A Time to Go Home

After retirement in 1994, Richard and Annie returned to Dorchester, South Carolina.  They did not miss a beat.  Richard became an active member at New Hope AME Church, where he resumed his usher responsibilities. He served as a doorkeeper of the house of the Lord until he was unable.  As a handyman he continued to help others, and his late nephew, Reginald Cusack told Renée, "I told Uncle Richard to come down off that roof", and he was in his 80's!   Richard was also instrumental in helping the men of his church in rebuilding the sanctuary.

Richard's Legacy

Fondly known as "Pop-Pop" by his grandchildren, Richard deeply loved them. Grandson James remembers baseball games and the transistor radio on the front porch. Grandson Keith remembers how he took pride when cleaning his Cadillacs.  "My first car was a Cadillac." Grandson Alex will always remember how his grandfather built a custom wooden swing for him and Alexis in Dorchester. His only granddaughter, Alexis will always remember his positive energy and how he always had the biggest smile.

A Time to Mourn

Richard Cusack leaves to mourn and entrust his legacy, two daughters Geneva Cusack Kirby from Norcross, GA, son David Cusack (preceded him in death), and Renée Cusack Randall (Bryan) from Germantown, MD; four grandchildren, James Howard Kirby, Jr., from Smyrna, GA, Keith Richard Kirby (LaShea) from Lithonia, GA; Alexis Naomi Randall and Bryan Alexander Randall from Germantown, MD; sister, Willie Lee Cusack in Dorchester, SC; sisters-in-law, Hattie Cusack in Buffalo, NY and Elizabeth Black in Dorchester, SC. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.