Jerry Steve Kusar

Our beloved Papa passed away February 13, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born to Yerko and Yerka Kusar on December 12, 1921 in San Pedro, California where he grew up with his sister Anita and brother Donald. He worked as Commercial Fisherman as a teenager, and often fished with his brother. At the age of 21 he proudly enrolled in the United States Navy as a Botswain’s Mate for the Coastguard. During his service overseas in World War II he was fortunate to escape injury when his ship was attacked. When his Naval term ended he returned to the sea as a Commercial Fisherman, sailing the Pacific Coast for Tuna for 22 years. In 1966 he became a Longshoreman at Todd Shipyard and worked to build Naval ships as a Master Rigger. He had a baseball cap for every ship he did rigging on, among many other hats, and never left the house without his hat on. His World War II Veteran hat was his favorite. Papa handmade fishing nets, mastered macramé knots, captained numerous fishing boats, and delivered thousands of tons of tuna to the local cannery. Papa’s favorite pastime was golf. He played until he turned 96, out-swinging his golf buddies every game. He also enjoyed wood working, bowling, movies, and of course, watching his football games on TV (cheering mostly for Notre Dame). Papa was married to Virginia, the love of his life, whom he now joins in rest. He is survived by his children, nieces, nephews, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by us all. Services will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2 pm at Green Hills Memorial Chapel. Navy honors and internment to follow at Green Hills Memorial Park.