John P. Fusciello

John Philip Fusciello, 88, of Gambrills, Maryland, passed away peacefully on December 27, surrounded by his beloved family. John lived a life filled with love and an abiding passion for family, culture, and community.

Born on October 11, 1936, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Anthony Fusciello Sr. and Emanuela Fusciello (née Colasurdo), John was the eldest of three brothers, Michael, Anthony Jr., and Philip Fusciello. He was predeceased by his brothers Michael and Anthony Jr.

John was the devoted husband of Lucille Fusciello (née Heppner), with whom he shared a marriage spanning over six decades. Together, they built a close-knit family, raising their children Barbara Fusciello, Lenore Fusciello Baker (married to Michael Baker), and Zak Fusciello (married to Heather Lyons). He was a proud and doting grandfather to Lucy Baker, Vincent Baker, Dominic Baker, and Oscar Fusciello. John is also survived by his younger brother, Philip Fusciello, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.

A graduate of John Carroll University, where he earned a B.S. in Business and played football, John went on to earn his law degree from Fordham University. He also served in Korea as part of the Army ROTC. 

After a career in law, John transitioned to the wine industry, a field that combined his love for Italy, fine wines, and community. Representing Vinifera Imports in the United States, John traveled extensively with Lucille and his children to visit Italian wine producers, deepening his connection to his heritage. He cherished his role, forming lasting friendships with restaurateurs and small business owners throughout Maryland.

John was also active in the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society, an organization dedicated to preserving the traditions and culture of Italy's Abruzzo and Molise regions. This involvement further highlighted his deep pride in his Italian roots.

Family traditions were the cornerstone of John’s life. He delighted in surprising his children and grandchildren before Easter with Zeppole di San Giuseppe, a traditional Italian pastry prepared for St. Joseph’s Day on March 19. Each Christmas, he visited Baltimore’s fish markets to select the finest seafood for the family’s Feast of the Seven Fishes, a cherished Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition. Summers were marked by his visits, bringing his homemade gazpacho to share, creating memories his family will forever treasure. 

One memorable trip to Italy showcased John’s charm and resourcefulness. Surprising his children with his fluency in Italian, he rallied local townspeople to help after an unexpected mishap landed their car in a ditch—a moment his family still recounts with warmth and laughter.

John’s faith was central to his life. In his youth, he was an active member of Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City and, later, a proud member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Crofton, where he built lasting friendships and deepened his spiritual connection.

John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was a testament to the joys of family, faith, and living with purpose. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (1800 Seton Drive, Crofton MD) on January 25 at 11am followed by a celebration of his life at the Carroll’s Creek Clubhouse (2705 King Eider Court Gambrills MD). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s memory to the Dementia Society of America.