Robert Charles Fusco

Robert Charles “Bob” Fusco, 76, of rural Berryton, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was born May 20, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas, to Jerry and Juanita Fusco, and grew up on a farm in Tecumseh.

From a young age, Bob showed a natural mechanical ability -he was known for taking things apart just to put them back together again, usually better than before. That hands-on curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for technology, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. He graduated from Shawnee Heights High School and later served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. His time in the Navy allowed him to travel the world and sparked a deep appreciation for ships and the ocean, which later led to his interest in sailing and scuba diving.

Bob and his wife, Sharon Fusco, were married on December 4, 1971, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Together, they built their home in the country near Clinton Lake in 1978, where they raised their two children surrounded by nature, animals, and space to dream. Bob designed the family home himself -a source of pride and a symbol of his creativity and resourcefulness.

Professionally, Bob spent over 30 years working for BNSF Railway as a Communications Technician. Bob had a playful, witty demeanor and was known for joking with his coworkers and tackling projects with both determination and humor. His career spanned the industry's transition from analog to digital communications, and he embraced changes with technical skill and curiosity.

Throughout his life, Bob engaged with a wide variety of interests. He loved camping, and taking river trips with his kids that included canoeing, hunting, archery -often making adventure a part of everyday life. He was passionate about gardening, sailing, watching and playing tennis, target shooting, horseback riding, and tending to the farm animals -especially the goats he so adored.

Above all, Bob was creative, strong-willed, and unapologetically himself. He built things to last, made time for wonder, and lived by his own clock, which his family lovingly referred to as “Bob time”. He had a warm heart, a sharp wit, and a love for rock music and concerts that he passed on to his family.

Bob is survived by his son, Brian (Valerie) Fusco; his daughter, Linnzi (Grant) Rust; and his beloved granddaughters, Adalyn, Veda, and Everly. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 52 years, Sharon Fusco; his sister, Verna Tyburski; and his parents, Jerry and Juanita Fusco.

A graveside inurnment service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Clinton Cemetery, 1203 E. 500 Road, Lawrence, KS 66049. 

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.