Bessie Frances Mastrogiovanni Fusco, 92, widow of Emanuel "Manny" Fusco, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at her home in Clemson, South Carolina, with her loving daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Bessie was born in New York City, daughter of the late Vito and Francesca Labbate Mastrogiovanni.  She was a member of St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Riverdale, NY and previously of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and Good Shepherd parishes. 

Surviving Bessie are her daughters, Louise Fusco (William Hoare) of White Plains, NY and Carmela Fusco of Clemson, SC; grandchildren, Jeremiah Thompson (Michelle), Shenise Turman, Braydon Turman (Elodie Westover) and Peggy Hoare; great-grandchild, Eli Thompson; her sister-in-law, Mary Mastrogiovanni, and her many nieces, nephews, their families and her friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Frank Fusco; brothers, Nick and Tony Mastrogiovanni; and sister, Mary Mastrogiovanni Celentano.

Bessie lived a long and joyful life. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  She was happily married to her sweetheart for 36 years, and she lived another 32 years, enjoying life, keeping his memory alive, sharing stories and loving her family and friends.   Bessie was very active in her church and her community.  Bessie’s favorite and most fulfilling times were those spent with her family, and this is where she drew her strength and left her legacy.

 Bessie loved to sing with family, friends and St. Margaret’s choir. She practiced Hawaiian dancing for over 50 years and enjoyed ballroom dancing.  Bessie relished participating in many creative activities with her friends at RiverWalk (Hebrew Home in Riverdale.)

 As a teacher and confidante to many, Bessie will be remembered as a loyal, loving, energetic, generous, independent and courageous woman with a positive attitude towards life.  Bessie exemplified what is truly important -- to love, support and care for family and friends. We are honored to have been loved by her.  While her life’s journey has come to an end, we know she is dancing with her sweetheart again.

 If you would like to share a loving memory, write an amusing story or leave a parting word, please email alohahulabessie@gmail.com.  We will compile all  letters and stories and share them, as requested, around the holidays. 

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Bessie Fusco to:

·       The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research 

·       The Hebrew Home at Riverdale (RiverSpring Health) 

 (If you would prefer to send flowers, please select fragrance-free ones.) 

Arrangements:

The family will receive family and friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, New York 10471.   Parking is available at St. Margaret of Cortona (address below) or on the streets near the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:45 AM on Monday July 29, 2019, at St .Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, New York 10471.

Interment will follow, via procession from St. Margaret of Cortona, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

Condolences may be expressed online at Riverdale-On-Hudson.              Aloha!