Obituary of Neil Bernard Cousino
On May 27th, 2024, the 10th anniversary of his beloved brother Earl’s death, Neil Bernard Cousino, 85, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Neil was born September 11th, 1938. The first of five children to Bernard and Lucille Cousino, Neil attended St. Joseph’s School in Erie and Monroe Catholic Central High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Notre Dame, and Master’s degree at Michigan State University. It was at MSU that he met the love of his life, Joy Kathleen Sheridan. They married 2 weeks after graduation and settled in Erie where Neil joined his father, and eventually his brother Earl, in the family hay and straw business that had been in operation since the 1930’s. Neil and Joy enjoyed 62 years of marriage and raised 5 children at the farm that has been in his family for generations.
In the 1970’s, when Bernard retired, Neil and Earl took the reins, becoming partners and driving the business forward. For many years, the brothers worked tirelessly to uphold the company's reputation for quality and provided employment for many young men in the community. Recently the land where “the mill”, once stood was transformed into a solar field, where clean energy is now being harvested.
Neil’s community contributions extended beyond the business. He was a dedicated member and past president of the National Hay Association, a role that allowed him to share his expertise and advocate for the industry. He was also a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, where he was deeply involved in various capacities. Neil taught high school religious education classes, served on the school board, acted as an usher, and participated in numerous church committees. For eighteen years, Neil also served as a volunteer firefighter in Erie, displaying his commitment to public service and community safety.
Neil’s dedication to work, community, and faith was matched only by his devotion to his family. He was deeply loved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they all cherished the stories and lessons he instilled. However, it was Joy, his beloved wife, who remained the cornerstone of his life.
Neil enjoyed playing golf on several leagues, his pool league, watching a multitude of sports teams, but especially Notre Dame. He also loved being at any event his grandchildren participated in. In his later years, Neil looked back on his life with a profound sense of fulfillment. He remained a figure of admiration locally, frequently being approached by community members who reminisced about the "old days" of working at “the Mill”.
Neil Bernard Cousino was preceded by his parents, Bernard and Lucille, brother Earl, and his grandchild, Noah Momenee.
To cherish his memory, Neil leaves his beloved wife of sixty-two years: Joy Cousino; five children:
Erin (William) Momenee, Joel (Molly) Cousino, Anne Cousineau (Mark Miller), Keith (Jodi) Cousino, A. Leigh Cousino; three sisters: Carole Wielosinski, Lois (Moe) Nozari, and MaryEtta (Peter) Hartwick; sister in law: Peg Cousino; nine grandchildren: Lauren (Matthew) Baessler, Rachel Momenee (Nicholas Irmen), Mara Momenee, Simon (Maria Aguado) Momenee, Crystal (Mark) Jernigan, Zoë Miller, Eli Miller, Jake Cousino, Kyle Cousino; five great grandchildren: James Jernigan, Eivan Jernigan, Celia Jernigan, Frederick Baessler, and Eliza Irmen.
Friends may gather on Sunday; June 2, 2024, from 3:00pm until 8:00pm (with a celebration of life beginning at 6:30 pm) at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state on Monday; June 3, 2024, from 10:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection, led by Father Donald LaCuesta, at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church; 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan 48133. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. Memorial contributions can be made in Neil’s name to the Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department Memorial.