Stewart R. Kusinitz, 72, of Tiverton and Martha’s Vineyard, died on Oct. 12, 2015, surrounded by his loving family after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Lisa Lundy Kusinitz. Born in Fall River to Maury and Edith (Robinson) Kusinitz, Stewart attended Durfee High School and Boston University. In 1966, he joined his father at the Maury Kusinitz Insurance Agency as an insurance agent, later to become president of the agency. The agency later merged with Stafford & Co. in 2001, where he served as vice president.
At a very young age, he learned the hobby and art of collecting postage stamps from his grandparents, Jennie and Sam Robinson. This hobby turned into a lifelong second career of buying, selling, and appraising stamps and coins. He traveled the world participating in stamp and coin shows, with a specialty in U.S., China and Japan. He owned Fall River Stamp & Coin, and was a life member of the American Stamp Dealers Association, serving as its president in 1987.
Stewart was president of Robinson Realty and owned Robinson Vacation Rentals of Martha’s Vineyard. In 2002, he purchased Smoke N’ Bones Restaurant in Oak Bluffs, helping it to gain fame from the Boston Globe, which named in the “fourth best rib joint” in New England. In addition, Stewart was the owner of Holiday Travel of Fall River and Westport, and was a licensed auctioneer. His love for Fall River was evident in his civic and charitable involvement. For over 40 years, Stewart played Santa Claus for special-needs children for the Fall River Lions Club, where he was a past president. He took great joy in bringing a smile to the faces of those less fortunate. Stewart was one of the early board members of the Marine Museum of Fall River in the 1960s, and returned to the board in its recent revival. He currently served as vice chairman of the board of directors, and was looking forward to serving as its chairman later this month. He was one of the original founders of ReCreation, Inc., serving on its board from 1971 until 2001. He was also president of Businessmen for Better Parking, a longtime member of the Lebanon American Society, a charter member of the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts, and a member of the senior division of the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River, where he enjoyed playing handball.
Stewart accepted his diagnosis with grace and dignity. He felt he had lived a great life, was luckier than most, and “raised hell with the best of them.” Even through the darkest days of his illness, he often mentioned a quote: “I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man who had no feet.” Count your blessings.
Besides his wife, those left behind to cherish his memory are five daughters: Tracey Altman (Chuck) of Frisco, Texas; Tara Gagnon (Roger) of Somerset, Tanya Francisco (Steven) of Douglas; and Kelsey Elizabeth and Kaylee Sullivan Kusinitz of Tiverton; two sisters, Enid Lomax (late Terry) of Miami Lakes, Fla., and Edith Ann Getchell (Dawson) of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Drew and Tucker Gagnon, Zachary Altman, and Gavin Francisco. He also leaves his former wife, Judith Kusinitz of Somerset. The family would like to thank the many people who supported Stewart during his illness, including the staff of Hudner Oncology, the office staff of Stafford & Co. and “the Kusinitz girls.” A celebration of Stewart’s life will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, at 11 am, at Temple Beth El, 385 High Street, Fall River. Burial will follow in Temple Beth El Cemetery. Memorial observance to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, from 3 to 7pm at the family home, 50 Margaret Street, Tiverton, R.I. Donations in Stewart’s memory may be made to K Club Foundation, c/o Kiwanis Club of Fall River, Inc., P.O. Box 9412, Fall River, MA 02720-9412. To light a memorial candle, sign the guest book, or for temple directions, go to hathawayfunerals.com or call 508-673-0781. All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Hathaway Home for Funerals, 1813 Robeson Street, Fall River.
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