Walter Haycock "Buddy" Cusick, 81, of Avenue, Maryland passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Laura Hayden Cusick, who he married on May 6, 1961 at Holy Angels Church, in Avenue, Maryland.

Also survived by in-laws Paul Cecil Hayden Sr. of Edgewater, MD; Polly Hayden Hall of Abell, MD; Marie Hayden Beavan of Bushwood, MD; Ann Hayden Clark (Bill) of Manassas, VA; Joan Hayden Warczynski of Avenue, MD; Bill McKay of Silver Spring, MD and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Walter Francis Cusick and Marguerite Haycock Cusick of Washington, D.C. and Wheaton, MD and sister's Mary Jean McKay of Silver Spring, MD and Marguerite McCune of Shepherdstown, WV.

After graduating from DeMatha Catholic, Buddy enlisted in the US Air Force. After serving in the Air Force, he was employed with Washington Gas, where he retired, after 35 years of service.

Buddy and Laura lived in Wheaton and Silver Spring, MD during the early years of their marriage. After his retirement in 1988, he and Laura moved to the "country." He began a second career, as a parochial school bus driver for Swann's Bus Service. Buddy enjoyed interacting with the school children. For years later, they remembered him, with fondness.

For his entire life, Buddy was a devout Catholic and very active with his Catholic faith. He was a lector at St. Catherine Laboure Parish for over 30 years, and until this past year, was the faithful lector for the 6:00 a.m. mass every Sunday at Holy Angels Church. He was Past Grand Knight and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Rosensteel Council #2169 Silver Spring, MD and former member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary's Council #1470 Leonardtown, MD. Two of his closest friends were Frannie Wynn and Rev. Robert B. Reidel, a Catholic priest who passed away on March 15, 2007.

Buddy was an active member of the American Legion, Post 221 in Avenue, MD and recently served as Post Chaplain.

Buddy appreciated life and enjoyed spending time with family, and his friends at Potomac Gardens. He was a NASCAR fan, and really liked watching the races. Buddy loved talking to people – he knew a little bit about everything, had some really good jokes, and was a great storyteller.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5 to 8pm at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. Prayers will be recited at 7pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am on March 15, 2012 at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD, with Father Michael Tietjen officiating. Pallbearers will be James Hayden, Martin Warczynski, Norman Stultz, Liam Stultz, and Patrick McKay.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Holy Angels Church or the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.