Nick Kusich Jr.
Nick Kusich Jr., 88, of Washington, formerly of Avella, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 23, 2022, in his home.
He was born September 6, 1933, in Avella, a son of the late George and Pauline Zec Kusich.
Nick traveled to many states and countries; however, he would say Avella was the most beautiful place of all.
Nick was president of his graduating class in 1951 at Avella High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He attended Central Assembly of God in Houston.
He met his beautiful bride, Jean Adelaide DeMay, of Orangeville, Ohio. They were married August 12, 1954. During his time of illness, she lovingly cared for all of his needs.
Together, with his wife of 67 years, they raised four children, Kenny (Dorothy) Kusich of Colliers, W.Va., Marsha (Jeffrey) Pleta, Mary (Rick) Insana, all of Washington and George (Marcy) Kusich of Avella.
Although he had many titles, such as Penn State Nick, his favorite was Pap Pap Nick. He took his grandchildren on many adventures and supported them in all endeavors. His grandchildren are Jamie (Scott) Smith, Abram (Melanie) Pleta, Luke (Spenser) Pleta, Isaac Pleta, Jeanie (Noah) Lambert, Andrea (Joel) Bigley, Jessie (Aaron) Miller, Rikki (Drew) Iams, Jeffrey (Roberta) Kusich, Morgan (Casey) Koons and Nick (Abigail) Kusich; 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brother, Alex (Alice) Kusich of Ormond Beach, Fla.; sisters, Zora Darabant of Imperial and Pauline (Steve) Spataro of Washington; and sister-in-law, Hazel Kusich of Avella.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are sisters, Mary (Michael) Midler, Catherine (John) Martincheck, Ann (John) Sarek; brother, Larry Kusich; and brother-in-law, Andy Darabant.
Nick started his career as an ironworker and later retired as a supervisor for Alex E. Paris Contracting Co. Inc. of Atlasburg. He was a member of Polar Star Mutual Benefit Society and Slovene National Benefit Society Lodge 292, both of Avella.
He was a great sportsman and when asked which was his favorite sport, he would reply “all of them.” He was an amazing baseball player and pitched a mean knuckleball, which led to many no hitters.
Nick had many dear friends. He never met a stranger. One of his friends once stated, “You know, your Dad must have told me that story 299 times and when he tells me the 300th time it will be just as great as the first time.” When asked where he wanted to eat lunch, he only had one answer, Shorty’s in Wolfdale.
He will be dearly missed by his family. They find great comfort in knowing that one day they will all be together again, but for now his life and stories will remain in their hearts.
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, with Pastor Aaron Miller officiating. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery, Avella.
Memorial contributions can be made to Washington School District – The Prexie Center, 201 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.
Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfunerlahome.com.