Obituary of Wesley Cousino

Wesley Orville Cousino, who was born in Erie on July 27, 1922, was the son of the late Clarence E. and Lucille M. (Trabbic) Cousino. He attended the Luna Pier School and graduated from Monroe High School in 1941. Wesley then studied drafting at the University of Toledo. He entered the United States Marine Corps serving honorably from 1942 to 1945. He fought in historic battles that included the Marshall Islands, Tinean, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. Wesley married the former Joan P. LaVoy on November 9, 1946 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. After service, Wesley worked for Detroit Stoker as a draftsman, and then spent thirty-seven and a half years employed by Textileather (GenCorp) in Toledo performing scale repair and millwright work. A highly skilled craftsman, Wesley completely finished the inside of two homes for his family and even completed a sunroom by himself at the age of 75. His yard was enhanced with a windmill, wishing wells, swings, bird houses, a trellis, a gazebo, Blessed Mother grotto, and St. Joseph garden. He enjoyed yard work with summer being his favorite season. As a young man he enjoyed camping. Wesley served as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 52, was a Legion of Mary member, served with Foundation for Life in Toledo, Knights of Columbus- Fourth Degree, life member and past Chaplain of Erie Post 3925, VFW, life member and past Chaplain of Marine Corps League, and actively served as Deacon for St. Joseph's from 1977-2010. Wesley Cousino, 89, of Erie passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Bernum, Ursalla Pliska, and Wayne. To cherish his memory he leaves his wife: Joan of Erie; children: Marilee (Terry) Pearson of Roswell, GA, Matthew (Patty) Cousino of Erie, Maria (Francis) Reno of Erie, Marcia Cousino of Toledo, and Calvin Lane of Onaway, MI; grandchildren: Jonathan, Alex, Erin, Jason, Jennifer, Jessica, Jacob, Ashley, Kayla, Teasha, Shannon, Francis, Bonnie, Dana, Julie, and Carrie; and twelve great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 3:00-8:00pm, Sunday, July 29 and Monday, July 30 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Erie (734) 848-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am, Tuesday, July 31, at St. Joseph's, 2214 Manhattan. Procession to St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph School or to Sisters of Notre Dame, Toledo. Online condolences can be made at www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.