Obituary for Joseph J. Gusic
Published by Richard J. Modell Funeral
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Joseph Gusic
(March 15, 1932 - January 31, 2015)
Joseph Gusic, father, friend,
mentor, and coach of many, passed away on Jan. 31, 2015 at the age of 82.
Joe is survived by his son and daughter, Joe and Joan; his “adopted” sons,
Kerry and Keith Kotwasinski, Kevin Fox, and John Bodendorfer; and his
“adopted” grandkids Kevin and Keagan Fox and Conor, Lorelei and Gabriel
Kotwasinski. Born March 15, 1932 in Chicago, IL to Christ and Veronica
Gusic, Joe graduated from Lindblom High School in 1950 and from Florida
State University in 1960. While gymnastics was his passion, Joe was an
active participant in a multitude of other sports, as well as school
organizations and fraternities. He was a proud member of the 1951 NCAA
National Championship Gymnastic Team. From 1952 to 1960, he served in the
Army with the 141st Tank Battalion. Joe taught Physical Education and
coached in the Chicago Public Schools for over 20 years. He was an avid
hunter, fisherman, and recycling and repurposing expert. A life-long
athlete, Joe organized and played in numerous senior sporting events for
the past 30 years. Into his 80’s, he played volleyball at national and
international senior sporting events, was a member of the Orland Park
senior softball team, the 65’s, and played horseshoes among friends. Most
importantly, Joe was a loving and generous father, friend, and teammate. He
was always eager to lend a helping hand and words of advice.
