of Mountain Home, AR
October 26, 1938 - June 13, 2025
Frank Fusco passed away at his home in his sleep on June 13, 2025. Frank was 86 years old. He was born October 26, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois. Frank graduated from Downers Grove (Illinois) High School in 1957 and enlisted in the US Air Force where he spent 4 years active duty as a weather observer technician and weather data editor. His service included 1 ½ years overseas. He was honorably discharged with an E-4 rank in 1963. Back in the Chicagoland area, Frank worked as photographer and reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Frank and his family relocated to Baxter County in 1976. He dabbled in a number of careers across the Twin Lakes area including small business ownership, real estate appraisal, journalism and ranching. However, his true passion was exercising his creative muscle through photography, woodworking and authoring historical fiction novels.
His personal interests and activities were equally expansive and included muzzleloader gun shooting, historical reenactment (mostly revolutionary period) and Ozark creative writing groups. He was a lifelong Republican who was active in local, state and national politics including participating as a representative of Arkansas at a Republican National Convention.
He was a member of the Masons, Shriners and the American Legion. He was also appointed to the Baxter County Selective Service board by President Ronald Reagan and the Arkansas State Nursing Board by Governor Mike Huckabee. He was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Frank will be remembered for his active involvement in many volunteer and leadership roles in many local community organizations.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Evan (Dr. Tamara McAlister) Fusco; his daughter, Danielle (Keith) Diemer; 3 grandchildren, Amarra, Heath and Brendan Fusco and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna (Jones); son, Brent; sister, Dorey Nott and parents, Mario and Dorothy Fusco.
Services will be at Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home, Arkansas on Friday, June 20th. Masons and Shriners may attend the Masonic Last Rites honor ceremony at 2pm. Visitation will be at 3pm with Funeral Services at 4pm. Immediately following at the mausoleum, will be a military honor guard and interment, all are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Frank would appreciate it if you would consider a donation to his long-time passion, the Shriners Hospital for Children.
https://lovetotherescue.org
Praying for all the family. May he and Edna be together.
My deepest condolences to you Evan and your family. Your dad was one of a kind!
On of the nicest, most interesting, people I had the pleasure of serving with on the honor guard. His friendship was something I will miss and I will be proud to honor him on Friday. My condolences to the family.
Danielle and family,
So sorry for the loss of your father. Please accept my condolences.
With deepest sympathy,
Dianna Roller
The Fusco family was one of the first families I met when I moved to Cotter. My best wishes to the remaining family.