Family Honors Martha Cusimano with Food Pantry in Florida

Martha Cusimano, a beloved community figure in both Pennsylvania and Florida, passed away on November 30, 2023, after a 19-year battle with breast cancer. Her family aims to honor her legacy by establishing a food pantry and community center in Kissimmee, Florida, a project Cusimano passionately supported until her health declined.

Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1943, Cusimano was known for her relentless spirit and dedication to community service. After retiring in 2008 as the first executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, she moved to Florida but maintained strong ties to her roots in the Lehigh Valley. Friends and family described her as tenacious, always following through on her ideas and commitments.

Throughout her life, Cusimano raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various causes. According to her daughter, Patti Gomas, “She never did anything alone; she brought people together to get things done.” Her efforts included organizing the Concours d’Elegance, a car show that raised over $100,000 annually for burn prevention, and establishing the popular Lehigh Valley Auto Show, which has generated more than $2 million for local charities over the past 12 years.

Despite her health challenges, Cusimano remained active in her community. In Florida, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and led fundraising efforts for the St. Rose of Lima Church, helping to raise $700,000 for a food pantry connected to the church. This food pantry served over 70,000 people during the pandemic, demonstrating the pressing need for such resources.

Cusimano’s final wish was to see the construction of the Lima Center, which would expand the church’s food pantry and include a commercial kitchen for community events. As her health declined, she rallied her family and friends to continue her work, seeking to raise an additional $300,000 to complete the project. “Her last words were a request for our help to see this project through,” Gomas shared.

In her early years, Cusimano was deeply involved in local initiatives, including the creation of a marathon for Catholic schools that raised significant funds for education. Her commitment to service was evident from a young age, influenced by her upbringing in a devout Catholic family.

Throughout her life, she fostered connections within her community, often hosting gatherings for neighbors and church leaders. “She was just the perfect hostess,” noted Mary Taylor, a former neighbor. “She always brought people together.”

Despite her busy schedule, Cusimano also prioritized family. Her granddaughter, Meg Hower, recalls how her grandmother encouraged her and her siblings to embrace their potential, especially in public speaking. “Gram inspired me to embrace public speaking as a reader at church,” Hower said, attributing her success to her grandmother’s unwavering support.

As her family launches a fundraising campaign to fulfill Cusimano’s final wish, they seek to honor her memory and continue her legacy of generosity and leadership. The campaign can be found on the GoFundMe website at gofund.me/ef3e926a4.

“People should remember her as a generous person and leader,” said Jim Cusimano, Martha’s husband. He emphasized her ability to inspire others to join her causes. Her impact on both the communities she served and the family that loved her remains profound and enduring.