U.S. Army veteran served in the Korean War
Published April 8, 2020
LYNNFIELD — Patrick H. McCusker, 86, of Lynnfield died on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at the High Point Hospice House in Haverhill.
He was born in Melrose on September 10, 1933 and was the son of the late Edward T. and Christine (Anderson) McCusker. He was the oldest of six children, having two brothers and three sisters. Patrick’s parents were totally devoted to them, always wanting to have the family close by.
Patrick grew up in Melrose, where his schooling started at St. Joseph’s school in Maplewood through eighth grade. He attended Melrose High for two years until his family moved to Kingston, N.H. He finished his high school education at Sanborn Seminary, graduating in 1951. Patrick then attended Bentley College from 1952 to1956, earning a degree in accounting. Over the years he enjoyed playing baseball as a talented pitcher, and playing his guitar, dreaming of being the next Johnny Cash.
In 1956, Patrick was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany for two years and traveled all around Europe. After his military tour, he returned to Massachusetts and started his work as a life insurance underwriter at Prudential Finance in Boston. Patrick enjoyed a successful career with Prudential, retiring after more than 30 years of service. He enjoyed playing on their golf team, where he won a few trophies over the years.
In December of 1958, Patrick met his lovely future wife Patsy (Margaret Patricia Healy). She arrived that day from Ireland to live with her Aunt Margaret in Cambridge. The two met at a dance at State Ballroom in Boston only hours after Patsy had stepped off the plane. Two years later, they were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Maplewood. They settled in Saugus and moved to Lynnfield in 1975.
In 1973, they adopted their daughter Lisa. Patrick shared his love of reading, education and music with Lisa, and spent his life making sure that she was successful and loved. He was a devoted father and spent his life telling stories of Lisa’s antics and sharing how proud he was of her with everyone he met.
At age 55, Patrick retired from Prudential and went to work as an underwriter consultant for Savings Bank Life Insurance (SBLI) in Woburn. During this time, Patrick and Patsy spent their summers in Florida. He was also a member of the Wakefield Lodge of Elks and Wakefield Men’s club. He was a Friend of the Lynnfield Library and a volunteer at the Lynnfield Senior Center, where he helped to cook and clean up after Friday breakfasts.
In 2016, after nearly 56 years of marriage, Patrick lost his beloved wife Patsy suddenly. In 2018, he moved to Atria Marland Place in Andover, where he spent his days reading, exercising and watching his beloved New England Patriots and Red Sox, and visiting with his daughter and his best friend Edward Butler of Lawrence.
He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret P. (Healy) McCusker. He was the loving father of Lisa A. McCusker of Andover. He was the brother of Matthew McCusker of Saugus, Ann Manning of Groveland, Susan Fitzpatrick of Florida, the late Edward T. McCusker of Florida and the late Marilyn Javilikian. His brother-in-law Dave Jivelikian also survives him.
Funeral services will be private.
Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home in Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Patrick’s name to Atria Marland Place, 15 Stevens Street, Andover MA 01810.