Bessie F. Fusco

Heaven has gained another angel, and the world has lost a shining star.

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

Bessie was born in New York City, a daughter of the late Vito and Francesca Labbate Mastrogiovanni. She was a member of St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Riverdale, NY and previously was a member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and Good Shepherd parishes.
Surviving are daughters, Louise Fusco and husband William Hoare of White Plains, NY and Carmela Fusco of Clemson; 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 a 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 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 enjoyed 36 happily married years with her sweetheart and lived another 32 years without him, keeping his memory alive through stories and lessons on love.

Bessie loved to sing. She practiced Hawaiian dancing for over 50 years and enjoyed ballroom dancing. She was viewed as a teacher and confidant by so many people in all walks of life. Bessie will be remembered as a loyal, free-spirited, trustworthy, independent and remarkably courageous woman. These are traits that many aspire to, but few achieve.

Her unconditional love and selfless spirit encouraged those around her to be confident, independent and respectful and to know when to be silly and look on the bright side of life.

Bessie taught us all what is truly important in life -- to love, support and care for family and friends. We are humbled and honored to have been loved by her. While her life's journey has come to an end, we know she is happily dancing with her sweetheart again.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research https://www.michaeljfox.org/ or The Hebrew Home at Riverdale (RiverSpring Health)
https://www.riverspringhealth.org/ways-to-give/. If you would prefer to send flowers, the family requests a plant (fragrance-free) as they will be travelling.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Thursday July 25th at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home 108 Cross Creek Road, Central, SC.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.

Aloha!