Dominic A. Fusci 

Born May 15, 1922 in Greenwich Village, New York, he was the son of Anthony Francis and Margaret Ann Maloney Fusci. He became All New York City, All Metro Football Star and was named to the Schoolboy Hall of Fame. Before continuing his athletics success at USC, he made All Southern Conference and All State twice in the forties. Carolina Coach Rex Enright called him the finest tackle in the country. His college career was interrupted by War World II for Navy PT Pilot duty. He was drafted in 1945 by the Washington Red Skins but opted to return to USC. He was a two time honorable mention All American. He played in the College All-Star Game against the defending NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles prior to embarking on a professional career, which included stints with the Eagles and the Paterson Panthers of the American Football Association League. He made All Pro in 1948 before returning to Columbia in his adopted state of S.C. South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame inducted him in 1991 and USC inducted him in its Hall of Fame in 1993. He was named to the USC Centennial Football Team. He reigned as Handball Champion and enjoyed a twenty-two year career as a high school official in football, baseball and basketball. He officiated for Richland County boxing and wrestling events.

Behind the scenes Dom was instrumental in convincing New York neighbor and friend Frank McGuire to coach at USC. He spearheaded fund raising at Cardinal Newman High School in the startup of the athletic program and fund raising for the football stadium and gymnasium. He was also instrumental in building the USC letterman's lounge at Carolina Stadium and helped Fort Jackson friend Sarge Frye's hiring at USC. He served as "the Godfather" to the Columbia chapter of the Sons of Italy. He was active in the VFW â€' American Legion, Knights of Columbus, USC Letterman's Association, Carolina-Clemson Legend's golf events, Columbia Country Club and St. Joseph Catholic Church. He retired after 35 years with Southern Radio, an RCA company and made RCA's Excel Club for 10 years.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Marjorie Lane Fusci of Columbia; children, Toni Fusci Tackett of Fort Worth, Texas, Donna C. Fusci of Columbia, Dom T. Fusci of Columbia; grandchildren, Damon Brice Tackett, Tristan Melton (Michael), Dominic A. Fusci II; brother, Patrick Fusci (Audrey) of Delaware Gap, N.J.; niece and nephew, Henry C. Moore (Betty) and Deloris S. Mungo (Stewart); sister-in-law, Dorothy Sanders. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Joseph Fusci.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Ephraim Ulmer, Ernie Trubiano, Jeff Grantz, Al Johnson, Mike Safran, Lou Sossman, Punky Holler, Pat Vella, Dr. Mike Hayes, Louie Harrelson, Ron Morris, Sonny Dickison, Coach Willie Jefferies and Cy Szakacsi, as well as S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame members and USC Lettermen. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29205 or Pawmetto Lifeline, P.O. Box 1777, Columbia, SC 29202