Luis “Gino” Fusco, 71, of Long Branch, passed away on Wednesday surrounded by his family at Monmouth Medical Center.

Gino was born in Italy but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In his 20s, he would move to Australia by himself, with only $100 in his pocket and no knowledge of the English language – a testament to the scrappy determination that defined his life. 10 years later, he immigrated to the United States, with fond memories of his time down under, a slight Australian accent and a love of Marmite.

Upon arriving in the United States, he began working at Attilio’s Villagio Restaurant in Lincroft. Within a few months, he purchased the business with his cousin Jose and owned it until his death. Until recently, he was a fixture behind the counter, and a regular sight for Attilio’s many longtime customers.

Gino loved to travel – most recently to Italy, Brazil and Florida – and was exceptionally handy, teaching himself how to build and renovate multiple homes. His financial prowess and business acumen was unrivaled. But above all, Gino’s greatest love was his family, cherishing every moment spent with his wife and children – from a day in New York City to the most routine Sunday dinner at home.

Gino is survived by his wife Eleude; his children Joseph Fusco and wife Elizabeth of Colts Neck, and Paul Fusco of Brooklyn; his stepchildren Hudson Bohr of Manhattan, Robson Borba of Long Branch, and Wallyson Borba of Long Branch; his siblings Ana Maria Fusco Garcia and her husband Pedro, Antonio Fusco and his wife Jeannette Bravo Fusco, and Amelia Fusco and her husband Daniel Gasal; his nieces and nephews Pedro, Veronica, Sabrina and Adrian; and his beloved baby granddaughter Rosemary.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 6^th from 9:00AM-12:00 PM at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell St, Long Branch, NJ 07740. A service will be offered at the funeral home at 12:00 PM followed by a burial at Mt. Carmel cemetery.