Martha Cusimano, a respected figure in community service and philanthropy, passed away on November 30, 2023, at the age of 82. Her family is now working to fulfill her final wish by establishing a food pantry and community center in Kissimmee, Florida, where she actively campaigned for support until her health declined.
A longtime resident of the Bethlehem area, Cusimano was known for her tenacity and dedication to various causes across the Lehigh Valley and Osceola County, Florida. After retiring in 2008 as the first executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, she relocated to Florida but maintained strong ties to her friends and community back in Pennsylvania. Throughout her life, she raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable initiatives, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service.
Born in 1943 in Buffalo, New York, Cusimano grew up in a Catholic family that emphasized community values. Her parents inspired her to engage in public service, a commitment that she carried forward into her own life. She married Jim Cusimano, whom she met through their Catholic Youth leadership group, and they built a family focused on service and community involvement.
Throughout her career, Cusimano made significant contributions to various organizations. She was instrumental in establishing the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, an annual event that raises around $150,000 for local charities, contributing over $2 million in the past 12 years. Additionally, she organized the Concours d’Elegance, a vintage car show that garnered more than $100,000 annually for the Burn Prevention Foundation.
Cusimano’s passion for community service extended to her political ambitions as well. She ran for office in the 135th state House District in 1994, advocating for policies that would benefit her community. Although she was not elected, her commitment to civic engagement remained strong, and she later became an active member of the Osceola County Democrats.
Despite her numerous achievements, Cusimano’s family recalls her as a devoted grandmother and friend. Her granddaughter, Meg Hower, reflected on the impact of her grandmother’s encouragement, saying, “Gram inspired me to embrace public speaking… She was teaching using your voice as a gift.”
During her battle with breast cancer, which began in 2006, Cusimano continued to volunteer and support her community. She played a vital role in raising $700,000 for a food pantry connected to St. Rose of Lima Church in Kissimmee, which served over 70,000 people during the pandemic.
The Lima Center, envisioned as an expansion of the church’s food pantry, is intended to include a commercial kitchen and space for community gatherings. Friends and family report that Cusimano’s last words were a plea for assistance in bringing this project to fruition.
With $4 million already raised, the campaign now seeks an additional $300,000 to complete the Lima Center. This fundraising effort is a testament to Cusimano’s legacy, as her family and supporters rally to honor her dedication to helping others.
The fundraising campaign can be accessed on the GoFundMe website at gofund.me/ef3e926a4. Jim Cusimano expressed the family’s desire for others to remember Martha as “a very generous person and leader,” emphasizing her ability to inspire and unite people for meaningful causes.
As the campaign progresses, it stands as a lasting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to uplifting her community and supporting those in need.
