From Fredericksburg Funeral Home:
Michael Francis Cusack, Sr. passed away peacefully Monday evening, January 9, 2023, after several years of being well looked after and spoilt by his wonderful team of caregivers and family.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Pauline Roberta Cusack, nee Pearce, brother John Patrick Cusack, Jr. He leaves behind his sons, Michael Francis Cusack, Jr. and his wife, Donna, Christopher Cusack and his wife, Marla Cusack, Patrick Cusack and his wife, Lisa, and his six precious grandchildren - Brendan Cusack, Cameron Cusack, Michael Cusack, III, Ethan Cusack, Connor Cusack, and Clara Cusack.
Michael was born on November 16, 1936, in Midland, Texas, to oil wildcatter and American Football pioneer John Patrick Cusack and Mary Francis Cusack, nee Dages, originally from Canton, Ohio. Michael spent his early years at the New Mexico Military Institute, where he found solace in the American Quarter horse, which he learned to ride and show with perfection. After the family moved to Ft Worth, Texas, Michael continued showing Quarter horses throughout the state, where his skill and talent saw him winning numerous awards and accolades.
Being a rider in the western saddle and having a best friend who would become a future hall of fame Pro Rodeo clown (George Doak), one would have thought that Michael would have his ear bent with country music. But it was Mario Lanza, Enrique Caruso, and Grand Opera that soothed his ear. Soon, his attention turned from horses to theatre and Opera. Enrolling in Texas Christian University, Michael pursued training in musical theatre and photography – a newly found passion.
In 1960, shortly after marrying his wife, Pauline, Michael was hired as a stage director with the Zurich Opera in Zurich, Switzerland, where he could indulge his passion. After two years and a newborn son, Michael and Pauline moved to Houston, where he took a position as the Director of Photography at the ABC-TV affiliate KTRK, Channel 13. Whilst working for the station, Michael produced news stories and documentaries. In addition, he collaborated and worked closely with local children's television heroes Cadet Don and Kitrik. Michael and the Cadet travelled extensively throughout Texas, reporting about the wonders of the great state, particularly the Big Bend area, which he would repeatedly visit throughout his life.
Michael's creative streak found him leaving the local station arena and opening his own film production company, MFC Film Productions, Inc. Originally officed at the Adams Petroleum building, Michael soon built his own production center with editing facilities and sound stages near the Houston Galleria. MFC successfully served the industrial film market, the commercial market, and entertainment. Michael and MFC produced feature films in the horror genre, "Disciples of Death" and "Rim of Hell," which have since gained a cult-like status. He also produced various series and pilots for Television, including "Brenda Starr" starring Shelly Berman and the Showtime series "Lone Star Bar and Grill."
In the mid-eighties, Michael sold MFC to a group of financiers, loaded up his truck and moved to Willow City, Texas, where he bought a ranch and began breeding and selling Registered Longhorns under the Willow Creek Longhorns name. A close friend of his, Happy Shahan, of Brackettville, Texas, introduced Michael to the hardy beasts when Michael and his team were filming at Happy's "Alamo Village" -- the film set used for the John Wayne film "The Alamo."
Michael was an avid Skeet Shooter and a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association and the Texas Skeet Shooting Association. Additionally, Michael served as a Director of the NSSA representing Texas. A prolific shooter, Michael won competitions throughout the United States.
If you knew Michael, you knew he was a loyal friend who was always quick with a joke. His humor and loyalty were his most freely given attributes.
His family will deeply miss him, but they are comforted by his legacy of wit and laughter – a gift his children aim to keep alive.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the PWHFN - the Pee Wee Herman Foundation for Nitwits.
A private burial for Michael will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, where he will be interred.
Michael Francis Cusack, Sr. passed away peacefully Monday evening, January 9, 2023, after several years of being well looked after and spoilt by his wonderful team of caregivers and family.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Pauline Roberta Cusack, nee Pearce, brother John Patrick Cusack, Jr. He leaves behind his sons, Michael Francis Cusack, Jr. and his wife, Donna, Christopher Cusack and his wife, Marla Cusack, Patrick Cusack and his wife, Lisa, and his six precious grandchildren - Brendan Cusack, Cameron Cusack, Michael Cusack, III, Ethan Cusack, Connor Cusack, and Clara Cusack.
Michael was born on November 16, 1936, in Midland, Texas, to oil wildcatter and American Football pioneer John Patrick Cusack and Mary Francis Cusack, nee Dages, originally from Canton, Ohio. Michael spent his early years at the New Mexico Military Institute, where he found solace in the American Quarter horse, which he learned to ride and show with perfection. After the family moved to Ft Worth, Texas, Michael continued showing Quarter horses throughout the state, where his skill and talent saw him winning numerous awards and accolades.
Being a rider in the western saddle and having a best friend who would become a future hall of fame Pro Rodeo clown (George Doak), one would have thought that Michael would have his ear bent with country music. But it was Mario Lanza, Enrique Caruso, and Grand Opera that soothed his ear. Soon, his attention turned from horses to theatre and Opera. Enrolling in Texas Christian University, Michael pursued training in musical theatre and photography – a newly found passion.
In 1960, shortly after marrying his wife, Pauline, Michael was hired as a stage director with the Zurich Opera in Zurich, Switzerland, where he could indulge his passion. After two years and a newborn son, Michael and Pauline moved to Houston, where he took a position as the Director of Photography at the ABC-TV affiliate KTRK, Channel 13. Whilst working for the station, Michael produced news stories and documentaries. In addition, he collaborated and worked closely with local children's television heroes Cadet Don and Kitrik. Michael and the Cadet travelled extensively throughout Texas, reporting about the wonders of the great state, particularly the Big Bend area, which he would repeatedly visit throughout his life.
Michael's creative streak found him leaving the local station arena and opening his own film production company, MFC Film Productions, Inc. Originally officed at the Adams Petroleum building, Michael soon built his own production center with editing facilities and sound stages near the Houston Galleria. MFC successfully served the industrial film market, the commercial market, and entertainment. Michael and MFC produced feature films in the horror genre, "Disciples of Death" and "Rim of Hell," which have since gained a cult-like status. He also produced various series and pilots for Television, including "Brenda Starr" starring Shelly Berman and the Showtime series "Lone Star Bar and Grill."
In the mid-eighties, Michael sold MFC to a group of financiers, loaded up his truck and moved to Willow City, Texas, where he bought a ranch and began breeding and selling Registered Longhorns under the Willow Creek Longhorns name. A close friend of his, Happy Shahan, of Brackettville, Texas, introduced Michael to the hardy beasts when Michael and his team were filming at Happy's "Alamo Village" -- the film set used for the John Wayne film "The Alamo."
Michael was an avid Skeet Shooter and a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association and the Texas Skeet Shooting Association. Additionally, Michael served as a Director of the NSSA representing Texas. A prolific shooter, Michael won competitions throughout the United States.
If you knew Michael, you knew he was a loyal friend who was always quick with a joke. His humor and loyalty were his most freely given attributes.
His family will deeply miss him, but they are comforted by his legacy of wit and laughter – a gift his children aim to keep alive.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the PWHFN - the Pee Wee Herman Foundation for Nitwits.
A private burial for Michael will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, where he will be interred.
From Fredericksburg Funeral Home:
Michael Francis Cusack, Sr. passed away peacefully Monday evening, January 9, 2023, after several years of being well looked after and spoilt by his wonderful team of caregivers and family.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Pauline Roberta Cusack, nee Pearce, brother John Patrick Cusack, Jr. He leaves behind his sons, Michael Francis Cusack, Jr. and his wife, Donna, Christopher Cusack and his wife, Marla Cusack, Patrick Cusack and his wife, Lisa, and his six precious grandchildren - Brendan Cusack, Cameron Cusack, Michael Cusack, III, Ethan Cusack, Connor Cusack, and Clara Cusack.
Michael was born on November 16, 1936, in Midland, Texas, to oil wildcatter and American Football pioneer John Patrick Cusack and Mary Francis Cusack, nee Dages, originally from Canton, Ohio. Michael spent his early years at the New Mexico Military Institute, where he found solace in the American Quarter horse, which he learned to ride and show with perfection. After the family moved to Ft Worth, Texas, Michael continued showing Quarter horses throughout the state, where his skill and talent saw him winning numerous awards and accolades.
Being a rider in the western saddle and having a best friend who would become a future hall of fame Pro Rodeo clown (George Doak), one would have thought that Michael would have his ear bent with country music. But it was Mario Lanza, Enrique Caruso, and Grand Opera that soothed his ear. Soon, his attention turned from horses to theatre and Opera. Enrolling in Texas Christian University, Michael pursued training in musical theatre and photography – a newly found passion.
In 1960, shortly after marrying his wife, Pauline, Michael was hired as a stage director with the Zurich Opera in Zurich, Switzerland, where he could indulge his passion. After two years and a newborn son, Michael and Pauline moved to Houston, where he took a position as the Director of Photography at the ABC-TV affiliate KTRK, Channel 13. Whilst working for the station, Michael produced news stories and documentaries. In addition, he collaborated and worked closely with local children's television heroes Cadet Don and Kitrik. Michael and the Cadet travelled extensively throughout Texas, reporting about the wonders of the great state, particularly the Big Bend area, which he would repeatedly visit throughout his life.
Michael's creative streak found him leaving the local station arena and opening his own film production company, MFC Film Productions, Inc. Originally officed at the Adams Petroleum building, Michael soon built his own production center with editing facilities and sound stages near the Houston Galleria. MFC successfully served the industrial film market, the commercial market, and entertainment. Michael and MFC produced feature films in the horror genre, "Disciples of Death" and "Rim of Hell," which have since gained a cult-like status. He also produced various series and pilots for Television, including "Brenda Starr" starring Shelly Berman and the Showtime series "Lone Star Bar and Grill."
In the mid-eighties, Michael sold MFC to a group of financiers, loaded up his truck and moved to Willow City, Texas, where he bought a ranch and began breeding and selling Registered Longhorns under the Willow Creek Longhorns name. A close friend of his, Happy Shahan, of Brackettville, Texas, introduced Michael to the hardy beasts when Michael and his team were filming at Happy's "Alamo Village" -- the film set used for the John Wayne film "The Alamo."
Michael was an avid Skeet Shooter and a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association and the Texas Skeet Shooting Association. Additionally, Michael served as a Director of the NSSA representing Texas. A prolific shooter, Michael won competitions throughout the United States.
If you knew Michael, you knew he was a loyal friend who was always quick with a joke. His humor and loyalty were his most freely given attributes.
His family will deeply miss him, but they are comforted by his legacy of wit and laughter – a gift his children aim to keep alive.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the PWHFN - the Pee Wee Herman Foundation for Nitwits.
A private burial for Michael will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, where he will be interred.
Michael Francis Cusack, Sr. passed away peacefully Monday evening, January 9, 2023, after several years of being well looked after and spoilt by his wonderful team of caregivers and family.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Pauline Roberta Cusack, nee Pearce, brother John Patrick Cusack, Jr. He leaves behind his sons, Michael Francis Cusack, Jr. and his wife, Donna, Christopher Cusack and his wife, Marla Cusack, Patrick Cusack and his wife, Lisa, and his six precious grandchildren - Brendan Cusack, Cameron Cusack, Michael Cusack, III, Ethan Cusack, Connor Cusack, and Clara Cusack.
Michael was born on November 16, 1936, in Midland, Texas, to oil wildcatter and American Football pioneer John Patrick Cusack and Mary Francis Cusack, nee Dages, originally from Canton, Ohio. Michael spent his early years at the New Mexico Military Institute, where he found solace in the American Quarter horse, which he learned to ride and show with perfection. After the family moved to Ft Worth, Texas, Michael continued showing Quarter horses throughout the state, where his skill and talent saw him winning numerous awards and accolades.
Being a rider in the western saddle and having a best friend who would become a future hall of fame Pro Rodeo clown (George Doak), one would have thought that Michael would have his ear bent with country music. But it was Mario Lanza, Enrique Caruso, and Grand Opera that soothed his ear. Soon, his attention turned from horses to theatre and Opera. Enrolling in Texas Christian University, Michael pursued training in musical theatre and photography – a newly found passion.
In 1960, shortly after marrying his wife, Pauline, Michael was hired as a stage director with the Zurich Opera in Zurich, Switzerland, where he could indulge his passion. After two years and a newborn son, Michael and Pauline moved to Houston, where he took a position as the Director of Photography at the ABC-TV affiliate KTRK, Channel 13. Whilst working for the station, Michael produced news stories and documentaries. In addition, he collaborated and worked closely with local children's television heroes Cadet Don and Kitrik. Michael and the Cadet travelled extensively throughout Texas, reporting about the wonders of the great state, particularly the Big Bend area, which he would repeatedly visit throughout his life.
Michael's creative streak found him leaving the local station arena and opening his own film production company, MFC Film Productions, Inc. Originally officed at the Adams Petroleum building, Michael soon built his own production center with editing facilities and sound stages near the Houston Galleria. MFC successfully served the industrial film market, the commercial market, and entertainment. Michael and MFC produced feature films in the horror genre, "Disciples of Death" and "Rim of Hell," which have since gained a cult-like status. He also produced various series and pilots for Television, including "Brenda Starr" starring Shelly Berman and the Showtime series "Lone Star Bar and Grill."
In the mid-eighties, Michael sold MFC to a group of financiers, loaded up his truck and moved to Willow City, Texas, where he bought a ranch and began breeding and selling Registered Longhorns under the Willow Creek Longhorns name. A close friend of his, Happy Shahan, of Brackettville, Texas, introduced Michael to the hardy beasts when Michael and his team were filming at Happy's "Alamo Village" -- the film set used for the John Wayne film "The Alamo."
Michael was an avid Skeet Shooter and a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association and the Texas Skeet Shooting Association. Additionally, Michael served as a Director of the NSSA representing Texas. A prolific shooter, Michael won competitions throughout the United States.
If you knew Michael, you knew he was a loyal friend who was always quick with a joke. His humor and loyalty were his most freely given attributes.
His family will deeply miss him, but they are comforted by his legacy of wit and laughter – a gift his children aim to keep alive.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the PWHFN - the Pee Wee Herman Foundation for Nitwits.
A private burial for Michael will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, where he will be interred.
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