John Ignatius (Jack) McCusker, Sr.

McCusker, Sr., John Ignatius (Jack), 73, of Knoxville died on Friday, June 26, 2015. He was born on July 31, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the son of James Charles and Margaret McCusker. Proud alumnus of West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys Class of 1959 and LaSalle College Class of 1965. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Field Artillery serving initially with the 18th Airborne Corps and then with the 7th Infantry Division Divarty at McDonald Barracks, South Korea. Returning from Korea in 1967, he transferred to the Adjutant General Corps, Separating from the Army in 1969, as a Captain. He worked in labor relations and was elected the President of OPEIU Local 4 in Philadelphia in 1973. In 1979, he moved to Knoxville to continue representing the OPEIU for the Tennessee Valley Authority, and in recent years, he worked as an independent insurance agent. He was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he served in various capacities including the choir, giving praise with his beautiful Irish tenor voice. As a a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, past Grand Knight of Council 645, District Deputy, at the time of his death, he was serving as the Secretary for the Knights of Columbus’ MR Foundation of Tennessee, supporting the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities. He also enjoy serving in the Tennessee State Guard, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A friend to many, he never met a stranger and taught countless friends, family and acquaintances the beauty and power of unconditional love. Preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Catherine, siblings James McCrusker and Margaret Fulton, and his beloved Aunt Helen Vesey. Survived by his wife, Diane, sons: John I. (Teresa) McCusker, Jr., Kevin P. (Rhonda) McCusker, and Michael R. (Theresa) McCusker, and step-daughter Shannon (Brian) Butler. Grandchildren: Olivia McCusker, Madeleine McCusker, Liam McCusker, Joseph McCusker, Elijah Butler, Meredith McCusker and Hadley Butler. Brothers: Edward, Richard & Joseph McCusker of Philadelphia, Robert of Buckingham, PA, and sister, Ann Gospodarek of Abington, PA. and his close friend Richard Metcalf. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday, June 29, 2015 at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 414 W. Vine Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee at Noon Tuesday, June 30, 2015 with Father John Dowling officiating. Interment will follow at Highland South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the MR Foundation of Tennessee at http://www.mrfoundationtn.org/. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

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John Ignatius (Jack) McCusker, Sr.

July 31, 1941 - June 26, 2015