Maria Militello Cusmano, 84, of Tarpon Springs, Florida passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025. Maria was born in Alessandria della Rocca, Sicily, Italy on August 11, 1941 to parents Emanuele and Giovanna Militello. At age 16, she married Giuseppe Cusmano, also from Alessandria, and immigrated to the United States where she worked and raised a family first in Hackensack and Garfield, N.J. and then retiring to Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Maria enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, gardening, sewing and dancing. She was well known for her delicious meals and her Polka dance moves.
Maria is survived by her children Salvatore (Jane) Cusmano, Giovanni (Diane) Cusmano, Giuseppina (Mike) Beckett, sister Angela (Giuseppe) Piazza; her grandchildren Giovanni, Alexandrea, Justin, Michael and Matthew as well as great grandchildren Laila, Oliver, Elyssa, and Christine, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband, Giuseppe Cusmano, her parents Emanuele and Giovanna Militello, and her sister and brother in law, Alfonsa and Ignazio Sedita, all of whom she was looking forward to reuniting with in heaven.
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs Chapel
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs Chapel
Cycadia Cemetery
Sarah Beckett Brown
November 17, 2025, 5:41 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, I know this must be hard,in such a difficult time.GOD will help you through this, lean on HIM, HE will give you the strength.🙏 Love you❣️
Kari Kolp Crowder
November 17, 2025, 8:21 pm
Cusmano family. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Growing up as a good friend with Josephine, I couldn’t wait to be invited over for dinner. Maria always made the BEST meals! I never left the house without a handful of some yummy Italian cookies. She had the best hugs and always a big welcome and smile whenever I saw her. The Cusmano house was like a second home to me. So many wonderful memories. I will cherish them all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these hard times.
Georgie Michelle Shirley
November 17, 2025, 10:02 pm
Josephine,
We all loved your mom. I’m so glad that I got to visit her this past summer, even though she didn’t really remember me. Every time, I think of her, I hear, “Michelle Mangia”! ❤️And, I’m so glad that you taught me how to make Cassata too! I will always remember both your precious parents! So thankful for them and you!! Peace, comfort and strength to your family!
Gloria and Pete
November 18, 2025, 5:05 pm
We are saddened by the news of Maria’s passing and offer our condolences to your family. Maria and Joe were wonderful neighbors. Our son always enjoyed the lemon cookies she baked. She will be missed. May her memory be Eternal.
Denise and Michele
November 18, 2025, 6:07 pm
Josephine, we are so sorry about your Mom. You have been so caring and a real rock for her for many years.
I know you will miss her very much.
Denise and Michele
Vicky Ohara
November 19, 2025, 12:02 am
Hello Beckett Family, I am sorry for your loss my friends. I know my friend Linda became very close with your mom and grandmother as she cared for her in the mornings. We have mass at GACS tomorrow at the
same time as the funeral. Please know that the soul of Maria and your family will be prayed for during that time.
With love for your family.
Vicky OHara
Ed Carrick, Lynn Magan friend
November 19, 2025, 3:11 am
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom, Lynn spoke so highly of her and the joy she received in taking care of her, she sounds like a remarkable women. I will have my Priest say mass in her honor for the repose of her soul. May God bless you and your family and bring you peace as your family grieves.