Obituary of John Kenneth Cousino

John Kenneth Cousino, better known as Jack, was born on April 11, 1930 in Erie, Michigan. He was one of eight children born from the union of the late Cornelius and Charlotte (Dusseau) Cousino. Jack graduated from Toledo Central Catholic with the class of 1948. He honorably served his country in the United States Army earning the rank of Corporal. Jack married the love of his life, Donetta “Donna” Mae (Labun) Cousino on August 11, 1956 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, Michigan. From this union, came the birth of five wonderful children. He supported his family working as a draftsman for the BP Oil Refinery in Toledo, Ohio, finally retiring in 1995. For thirty years, Jack served on the Erie Township Fire department, as well as serving the township as a trustee for many years. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus council, joining in 1978. Jack was a talented wood worker, spending many hours out in the shop. His passion for wood working was evident through his homemade gifts for his family every year for Christmas. John "Jack" Cousino age 86 of Erie passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded by a daughter: Beverly Cousino; brothers: Herman, Robert, James, and William Cousino; and sisters: Henrietta Myers and Mary Oliver. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of sixty years: Donetta “Donna” Cousino of Erie; three daughters: Marjorie (William) Terry of LaSalle, Gale (Karl) LaVoy of Deerfield, and Joan (Peter) Close of Erie; son: John (Kim) Cousino II of Erie; sister: Rita Hahn of California; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street Erie, Michigan 48133. Jack will lie in state on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 11:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection beginning at 12:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, with Father David Cybulski officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery, where graveside services will be held under the auspices of the Erie VFW post 3925. Memorial donations can be made to the Erie VFW Post 3925 and St. Joseph Catholic School. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, send a floral arrangement or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.