CAREFREE, Ariz. — Julie M. Fusiara passed away peacefully Thursday, April 2, 2026, at The Heritage at Carefree, her home in Arizona for the past four years.

Julie resided at 117 N. 17th St. in Olean, N.Y., until she permanently moved to Arizona in 2019. She was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Salamanca, N.Y. to Frank and Antena Radlinski.

Julie experienced profound loss early in life when her mother passed away while Julie was just three years old. Her father, a caboose man for the Erie Railroad, was determined to keep his family of seven children together. Julie’s siblings rose to the occasion, especially her sister, Ann Marie, who was only 15 at the time. Julie often credited her five brothers and sister with preserving the closeness and strength of the family throughout their lives.

Julie attended Salamanca City Central School District, where she served on Student Council for four years before graduating in 1954. At just 17 years old, she began college at University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in English education.

She bravely traveled alone by train from Salamanca to Union Station in Washington, D.C. While living in Wicomico Hall on campus, Julie spent many weekends with her older brother Bill, his wife Terry, and their sons Richard and Robert. She completed her student teaching in English at High Point High School and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1958. Her beloved “Pa” proudly made the train trip to witness this important achievement.

On Aug. 9, 1958, Julie married Walter J. “Bugsy” Fusiara. Together they shared 44 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. Julie and Bugsy became known for their warm hospitality, hosting countless parties and holiday gatherings over the years.

Julie began her teaching career in Little Valley before pausing to raise her family. She later returned to education, teaching reading and English for the Olean City School District until her retirement in 1998.

Julie and Bugsy shared three children: John (Donna Jo) Fusiara, Susan (Larkin) Gram and Mary Lynn (Dr. Michael) Domboski. She was a devoted grandmother to Theodore Gram and Nicholas and Malia Fusiara.

Julie treasured all the time spent at Cuba Lake with Susan, Larkin and Ted, enjoying countless boat rides, dinners, and holidays with loving family and friends together before Susan’s tragic passing from breast cancer in 2010.

A lifelong lover of the water, Julie also greatly enjoyed the annual Caribbean cruises with Mary Lynn. Julie and her daughter Mary Lynn shared the love of teaching and helping others to learn in their long careers.

Nothing brought Julie greater joy than her grandchildren. She often spoke of the overwhelming love she felt upon the birth of her first grandson, Ted. She lovingly kept a journal documenting his early years — a beautiful reflection of a grandmother’s deep and enduring love.

Julie is survived by her son, John Fusiara; her daughter, Mary Lynn (Dr. Michael) Domboski; and her beloved grandchildren, Theodore Gram, Nicholas Fusiara and Malia Fusiara. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Josephine “Jozia” Marcellin; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Julie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Bugsy; her daughter, Susan; her son-in-law, Larkin; her brothers, Leonard, William, James, Frederick and Donald; and her sister, Ann Marie Skrobacz.

Special thanks are extended to her nieces Cindy Silloway, Carol Rusk and Nancy Sullivan and their families for the loving care and attention they gave to Julie and her home in Olean during the years she resided permanently in Arizona. Their kindness and support meant so much to her.

Julie also deeply cherished her friendships, especially with Miss Virginia Sgro. Their conversations and shared updates about Olean continued faithfully until the very end. Thank you, Miss Sgro, for your enduring friendship.

As no local services or arrangements have been shared, family and friends are encouraged to remember Julie in the many ways she touched their lives. Julie loved life deeply and would want all who knew her to continue to embrace and enjoy life fully.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary’s of the Angels.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.