POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL
Poughkeepsie, New York
Friday, April 10, 2015Umberto "Bert" "Poppy" DeFusco
Palm Coast, Florida - Formerly of Lagrange, New York - Umberto DeFusco, beloved grandfather, father, husband passed away April 8, 2015, at age 72, due to complications from Multiple Myeloma and MDS. Born in Naples, Italy on June 15, 1943, Bert lived a beautiful life and will forever be remembered by his loving family and friends.
Bert served in the United States Army and was stationed in Panama where he worked as a machinist and mechanic. After his return from Panama Bert began his prestigious career as Superintendent of the Paint Department at General Motors Corporation of North Tarrytown, New York. He was a dedicated and loyal employee of GMC for 30 years. He created many advanced technologies (robotics) used for superior car exterior finishing.
Bert retired from GMC in 1996 and soon after began his "second careers" in real estate restoring homes, and child care. For fifteen years Bert held his most respected position as "Poppy" for which he referred to affectionately as his "non-paying" job. Every weekday morning Poppy managed to work against the clock getting his two grandsons Joseph and Michael ready for school. Family was most important in his life and Bert spent every moment caring and providing for his loved ones. He was the family's "go to man" for anything and everything and was always available to lend a helping hand on any home projects, offer advice, and lighten the mood with his sarcastic and jovial humor.
Bert was a loyal New York Rangers and New York Giants fan and in his earlier years he loved to attend the home games. He always began his days reading multiple newspapers and viewing current events on his favorite news stations. He was very outspoken and opinionated in matters of politics and loved to debate the hot topics. Bert was a self-proclaimed master of the BBQ grill, and connoisseur of Italian wines. He also enjoyed the outdoors and delighted in gardening, remodeling his house, and restoring and repairing cars.
The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses and health care professionals including Dr. Satyanarayna Murthy Narasimhadevara and his staff, and Dr. Rachamalla and her staff for their compassionate and expert care. Bert was always so gracious for having attentive and skillful people caring for him.
In addition to his daughter Michele Comolli, her fiancé Joe Lopez, and grandsons Joseph Patrick and Michael Umberto Comolli of Rhinebeck, Bert is survived by his wife Maria of Palm Coast, Florida, Joe Comolli of Stormville, brother Sal DeFusco and his wife Luciana of Garrison, NY, and numerous family members in Naples and Florence, Italy.
Bert is predeceased by his son Joseph Patrick, and his sister Pia. Bert has left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was a peaceful and loving man and will always remain in our hearts.
