Obituary of Theodore L. Fusaro

Theodore L. Fusaro (Ted), 83, of New Britain passed away after a long illness with his loving family by his side on September 25, 2014. Ted was born on August 5, 1931 in Mt. Vernon, NY. to the late Anthony and Jean Fusaro. He spent his entire life in New Britain until retiring to Florida in 2000. He was educated in local schools and CCSU. He began his career in the insurance and real estate business which he conducted for 15 years. Government and politics was a major part of Ted's life. He served in local, state and federal positions when Tom Meskill was mayor of New Britain. In 1965 Ted was elected to the common council. He was re-elected in 1967 and was named Mayor Pro-Tem. He resigned from the council to be appointed New Britain's Economic Development Director. In that position he played a major role in many projects during the Manafort administration including the development of Brittany Farms, the construction of the 1st parking garage at CCSU, and several housing developments. During the 1972 Presidential election, he served as chairman of the CT Italian Americans for Nixon. He was honored with an invitation from President and Mrs. Nixon to attend a reception at the White House prior to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. In 1973 he joined the Meskill administration in state government at the Department of Community Affairs which became the State Housing Department. He remained in state service through the administration of Governor Ella Grasso and Governor Bill O'Neill. While at the state housing department he was instrumental in the development of the Housing Down Payment Assistance program. Since 1978 the program has made it possible for thousands of CT citizens to purchase their first home. He retired from state service as Housing Director in 1989 to accept a White House appointment as Director of the Farmers Home Administration (now Rural Development Admin) for Southern New England. In 1992 his jurisdiction was named the most improved in the nation. He left that position in 1993 upon the change of administration from President Bush to President Clinton. He returned to serve in New Britain during the administration of Linda Blogoslawski serving as Executive Director of Community and Neighborhood Development. Ted was an admirer and political associate of Congresswoman Nancy Johnson throughout her years of public service and was pleased when she asked him to serve as her District Director. He served in that position until he retired. He was a member of the American Legion, Italian War Veterans, the American Political Items Collectors and a long time corporator of New Britain General Hospital. He was nationally known for his extensive collection of President Theodore Roosevelt memorabilia. In 1986 he was invited to attend the commissioning of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt at which time he presented the ships captain with a rare, bronze plaque of the former president. The plaque has been on display on the carrier since that time. Ted was also well recognized locally for his knowledge of New Britain history and his collection of New Britain memorabilia. Ted was an Air Force veteran who served proudly and with distinction during the Korean War. Ted retired to Cocoa Beach, Florida and enjoyed many years there with his loving companion, Alice Edgin. Ted was most proud of his family. He is survived by his loving children, Donna Redmond and her husband Tom of Kensington; Tom Fusaro and his wife Stacy of Nantucket, MA; Joan Zakszewski and her husband Robert of New Britain; Nancy Robertson and her husband Christopher of Plantsville and Marylou Thureson of Collinsville. He also leaves his adoring grandchildren; Amy Mulrooney and her husband Ryan; Stacey Tucci and her husband Charles; Karen Thureson, Michael Thureson, Kevin Zakszewski, Brian Zakszewski, Scott Zakszewski, Jeff Macken, Kelly Macken, Jamie Robertson, Ariana Costakes, Adrienne Costakes, Riley Fusaro and Jill DellaFera and her husband Fran. He is also survived by his sister, Lorraine Mielniczuk whom he loved dearly, and many cherished cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Fusaro and his former wife, Jerry Fusaro. Ted's family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Rose for the loving care they gave to our dad. Thanks to Kate for always being his advocate. Your kindness meant so much to us. Funeral services will be held Tuesday 9:00AM from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Church 195 So. Main St. New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The New Britain Industrial Museum, 185 Main St., New Britain, CT 06051 or the Alzheimer's Association, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To light a candle or send a condolence, please visit www.FarrellFuneralHome.com.