Clarence Leonard Cusmano

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Clarence Leonard Cusmano of Lake Angelus on December 28, 2023 at the age of 100. He was peacefully swept away surrounded by loved ones at his home to be received by his loved ones in heaven. Clarence was born on July 13, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan and was the second child of parents Harry and Grace (Mannino) Cusmano.

Clarence enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and served his country proudly until his discharge as a cadet. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Detroit and attended two years of Law School before dedicating his time to the trucking business he built. Clarence grew his intrastate trucking company to an interstate carrier, operating two steel distribution warehouses in the Detroit Metro area. His devotion to his work and the people who worked for him showed on a daily basis, including the years after he retired. Clarence also shared a love for horse racing where he owned, trained and raced thoroughbreds throughout the years.

He met the love of his life, Phyllis DeBuck, at the Detroit Eastern Market where they began their everlasting and inspiring journey of love. Clarence and Phyllis were married in 1950 and raised their children Harry, Charles, Anne and Robert in the eastside of Detroit. They shared 72 years filled with love, friendship and family until Phyllis’s passing in 2021.

His happiest moments were surrounded by friends and family at Lake Angelus and Pipers Landing in Florida, where he enjoyed participating in activities including tennis, golf, traveling, a good meal, good company and a good book. He inspired everyone he met to be engaged citizens and active participants in life, to enjoy simple pleasures, and to appreciate one another for they are.

Clarence was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; his brother, Sam Cusmano; his brother Leonard Cusmano; his father, Harry Cusmano; and grandparents, Salvatore and Antonina Cusumano.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Harry Cusmano (Annamarie); Charles Cusmano (Bernadette); Anne Cusmano; Robert Cusmano; his grandchildren Jennifer Rubenstein (Nicolas), John Cusmano (Kelley), Patrick Cusmano, Michael Cusmano, Mark Giannetti (Elisabeth), Diana Cossaboom (Michael), Jennifer Cusmano, Kimberly Cusmano, Nicholas Cusmano; his great-grandchildren Annabel, Mia, Nora, and Alexandria; his sister Antonetti Salami, Sister-in-Law Charlene Viviano and countless other family and friends that made Clarence’s life wonderful for many, many years.

Visitation is this Wednesday January 3rd, from 3-8 pm at:

A H Peters Funeral Home

20705 Mack Ave. (at 8 mile – Mack Ave.)

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

Instate will be held at 10:00 am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 am this Thursday January 4th, at:

Saint Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church

1401 Whittier Rd.

Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48236