Prolific elongated coin engraver John Gusmano, TEC #4513, died March 6, 2024, in GrandRapids, Michigan, according to his family, followingan eight-month-long battle with lung cancer. He was 60.

said TEC president, Tyler Tyson, TEC #3262.

Among those is Michelle Kilcoyne, TEC #5096, graphic designer, engraver, owner of ThePenny Depot, and daughter-in-law of James and Carol Kilcoyne, TEC #1887 and #3176.she said.

Graphic designer and TEC vice president, Paul Conner, TEC #3951, echoed that sentiment,saying,

John worked in the tool and die graphics industry for over 40 years, including time with Tenibac-Graphion Inc. said TEC treasurer and immediate past president, CindyCalhoun, TEC #3467-LM.

When Tenibac-Graphion was sold in 2018, John started his own business, C&J Engraving, andsecured his place in the history of the hobby. Although most collectors never met John, theylikely possess dozens, if not hundreds, of elongated coins rolled from dies he engraved. said Cindy.

said Tyler.

said Cindy.

Paul added,

Michelle recalled,

said Paul,

Michelle recalled,

Known as a calm man with wide-ranging passions, John's said Tyler. said Tyler.

added Michelle.

Among John's many passions was music. When he turned 40, he taught himself how to playguitar. He loved to jam with his band, RCG. He was always positive, extremely generous andimmensely wise - as his daughter, Jessica Urick,put it.

John Edward Gusmano was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 10, 1963, to Audrey Lee andMarion Anthony (Gus) Gusmano. John was the first born, folowed by his sisters, Eleanor andKatherine. After graduating from high school in Mount Clemens, Michigan, he moved to KeyMarathon. He and his former wife, Karen, had two children. In 2021, John returned to Michiganand settled in Grand Rapids, where he met his fiancé.

John is survived by his fiancé, Linda; two children, John Anthony (JoAnna) Gusmano andJessica (William) Urick; two grandchildren, Joshua and Joslyn; five step-grandchildren and ninestep-great grandchildren.

As John wished, his closest friends and family will celebrate his life privately over the summer,his favorite season. Meanwhile, his family has posted a memorial video on YouTube. In thevideo, while on vacation in Nicaragua, John remarked, He wisely advised the viewer to

We encourage you to watch the YouTube video put together by Jessica: found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Km7HZidUM

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