James D. Chiusano

James D. Chiusano, affectionately known as Jimmy, passed away on May 26, 2026, at Centra State Medical Center in Freehold, New Jersey surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 86.

James was born on August 21, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up and was raised in his family home with the values of love, hard work, and devotion that guided him throughout his life. In 1983, he settled in Staten Island, New York, where he remained and built a life centered around family, friendship, and quiet strength.

Before his retirement, Jimmy was a dedicated and hardworking employee of the United States Postal Service at the 34th Street post office location in Manhattan, New York. As a member of the Parcel Post Package Delivery team, he drove throughout midtown Manhattan and worked long hours with steady commitment and pride. He was loved and appreciated by the many customers he served over the years, and he took great pride in doing his work well. Prior to his time working for the Post Office, Jimmy worked for A&P grocery store in Ridgewood, Queens, a job he grew to love and made lasting bonds with his fellow co-workers and customers alike.  He was also a proud United States Army veteran, having honorably served his country from 1960 to 1962.

Jimmy was a loving, kind, and friendly man who was adored by all who knew him. He had a gentle spirit and a warm presence that made him a cherished part of his family, neighborhood, and circle of friends. He was the kind of person who showed his care in thoughtful, everyday ways, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jimmy was known for the many simple joys that made his life so full. He was a quiet, loving, and caring man who always remembered his grandchildren with cards for every occasion, often adding a sticker to his envelopes as a small but memorable sign of his affection.  He also loved to call family and friends from his flip-phone and would leave the sweetest voicemail if he wasn't able to get in touch with you. He was an avid lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants and enjoyed food shopping, where he took pleasure in clipping coupons and planning his trips. Jimmy loved going to Atlantic City, buying scratch offs and weekly lotto tickets.  He loved cooking for his family, and some of his favorite dishes included lasagna, Sunday sauce, meatballs and sausages, Pasta Fagioli, and potatoes and eggs. He especially enjoyed Dubin’s Bakery and Holtermann’s Bakery, and he looked forward to the holidays, particularly Christmas, when he decorated his home with care and enthusiasm for every season. One of his favorite places to relax and spend time was Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where he found joy and peace. 

Family was the center of Jimmy’s life, and most of all, he treasured every moment spent with those he loved. He is survived by his loving daughters, Dolores Santoro and her husband John, and Maureen Wren and her husband David; his beloved companion, Diana Minskey; the mother of his children, Joan Chiusano; and his cherished grandchildren, Erin Wren, Kerry Wren, and Christopher Santoro. He is also survived by his dear siblings, Madeline Chiusano, Catherine Chiusano-Creen, Lorraine Chiusano-Alfano, Maryjane Chiusano-Trexler, and Robert Chiusano and his wife Kim, and by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joanne Chiusano, Pamela Chiusano, Ozzie Kapp, Katharina Velleca, and Marilyn O’Connell.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna (Mastrota) Chiusano, and by his siblings Ronald, Raymond, Thomas,  John Chiusano and his wife Elinor, and Joanne Kapp.  He was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including Edward Creen, Richard Alfano, Thomas Trexler, Charles Velleca and his wife Patricia, Kenneth Velleca, Doris Chiusano and Patrick O’Connell.

Jimmy’s life was one of devotion, humility, and love. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his service to his country, his deep love for his family, and the kindness he extended to all. His memory will remain a blessing to those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM, and Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, from 8:45 to 9:30 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733.  Entombment will follow at St. Catharine’s Cemetery Mausoleum, 1100 West Chicago Boulevard, Sea Girt, New Jersey 08750.  For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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