NEWPORT, NH– Rocky R. Cusanelli Sr. 86 of Newport, NH passed away 02/16/2025 after a period of failing health. He is the eldest child of ten to Rocco P. and Lorretta (Turcotte) Cusanelli, late of Newport, NH.
Rocky is predeceased by both parents, his sisters, Marie Branch, Katherine Diller, Rochelle Saunders, and Cheryl Aikin. Brother Leo Cusanelli, grandson Tyler Cusanelli, stepson Travis Hodgdon.
Rocky is an Army veteran. He served during his mid to late teens. After the service, Rocky worked for his father at R&L auto parts. He spent time as a service advisor, business owner and private mechanic, truck driver and auto sales. He was one of a handful of mechanics who specialized in alternator and generator repair. He was employed by the town of Newport as well. As we were discussing what to include, we have come to the decision that he was somewhat of a renaissance man.
Rocky spent most of his early life involved with motor sports. He and best friend Eugene Pysz were well known at Claremont and Monadnock Speedways, most famously with their car 51. He loved Nascar and went to numerous live events. Rocky loved hunting and fishing. He went to Moosehead Lake during the fall months with “the guys”. Later in life, Rocky and friends spent many weekends at Lake Champlain. This drew him to purchasing a camp for himself and family and friends.
During Rocky’s early forties he found a love of aviation. Rocky owned his own plane and enjoyed taking family and friends for day trips. Rocky was fortunate enough to co-pilot larger planes for private trips. As his love of flying grew, Rocky was less about racing, and more about Parlin Field in Newport, NH. 2B3 as some know it. Rocky spent many hours and days committed to the growth and restoration of the airport. For this Rocky received an award of recognition for his efforts.
Rocky leaves behind his siblings; Rita and husband Lenny Adelson, Beatrice Lamoreux, Albert Cusanelli, Juliette, and husband Ed Engle. His children; Darrell and wife Kathy Boyle, Rocky Jr. and love Yvonne Findley, Lori and wife Nancy Thomas, Anthony, and Mario Cusanelli. Stepchildren; Chuck Hodgdon, Sheila, and husband George Houlton. Grandchildren; Kelsey Laroche, Paige and Wyatt Cusanelli, Dylan Boyle, Christa and Darren Houlton, Cody Hodgdon, Jade Hodgdon. Great grandchildren; Brayleigh, Noah, Sawyer, and Fraya.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Ron and Donna Leslie as well as James and Barbara Harding, also Lenny and Rita Adelson. For whom, we are forever grateful.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday February 25, 2025 from 5 – 7 PM at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH. Burial at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery will be held in the spring.
