Jorge Tito Kusanovic of Montauk, a parks and recreation leader for East Hampton Town for 29 years, died in Stony Brook on June 18. He was 81 and had cancer.
Mr. Kusanovic’s life was “marked by resilience, strength, and devotion to his family and community,” his wife and daughters said.
He was born in Punta Arenas, Chile, on April 27, 1945, to Emiliano Kusanovic and the former Ester Rafagello. During Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship, he was imprisoned on Dawson Island, an infamous concentration camp, where political prisoners were held and tortured.
“After surviving this difficult ordeal, he sought asylum in New York, where he built a new life” with his wife, the former Maria Velasco Suarez, who survives, and raised their two daughters. “Through his work, he touched the lives of countless residents, earning the respect and friendship of many throughout the community.”
“Above all, Jorge was a devoted husband, father, and family man,” his family wrote. “He will be remembered for his courage, perseverance, kindness, and unwavering love for those closest to him.”
In addition to his wife, Mr. Kusanovic is survived by his daughters, Claudia Kusanovic and Susana Lagos, and a son-in-law, Raul Lagos, all of Montauk. Also surviving are three sisters, Patricia Kusanovic and Slavia Kusanovic of Punta Arenas and Maria Luisa of La Serena, Chile, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family received visitors last Thursday at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. They suggested memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.
