John Fusi had this particular favorite expression “Somedays you’re the dog and somedays you’re the fire hydrant”. For me today is kind of a fire hydrant day.

John Fusi has passed away, and his family posted a lovely obituary and it is below. But John had another family: the toy industry. I often wondered why he stayed in the business when he had so many exceptional opportunities elsewhere, but I think he simply loved it. He had countless friends across the industry and throughout the Far East, and his reputation always preceded him. Big John Fusi, also known as “The Big Dog,” was truly one of a kind. I walked trade shows with him, attended meetings, and gave presentations with him by my side. Long before the internet, cell phones, or AI, John carried the business in his head and could discuss every aspect of it. He never took notes, remembered everything, and could calculate costs—from tooling and plastic to shipping and containers on the spot.

I once asked him why he had never joined MENSA, and he said they were boring and no fun. Did we have fun? Yes, a little. We had a reputation for going to Dallas and driving around in a big yellow Corvette, and after signing one of our first contracts, we once shared an expensive bottle of wine in a parking lot across from the Javits Center. More than once, when an agreement was reached in a meeting, John pulled out the Jameson for an impromptu shot for everyone. But most of all we had a great working relationship and worked really hard and for intense sessions to create and develop our products. I have learned so much from him and will carry it forever.

I always had a saying that I used from time to time “When God has a problem…he calls John Fusi”. Guess this was the big call.

Farewell Mr Steed, Mrs Peel siging off, but before we leave let’s review a few of his concepts from over the years: SunTan Tuesday Taylor, The Original Spray Chalk(patented), RealCare baby II(patented), NRG Paintball, FireFly N Force(patented), Tiny Tears(patented) GooHU the Magic Moldable Matter, Hot Wheels Fusion Factory(patented) Splatoon, Jellirez, Rain Bow Jellies, Aquastick.

___

John Constantine Fusi III Obituary

Celebrating the Life of a Brilliant Mind, Adventurer, Husband, Father,

Grandfather, Teacher, and Friend

It is with profound sadness, but immense gratitude for a life so exceptionally lived, that our family announces the peaceful passing of John Constantine Fusi III.

John was a rare individual whose extraordinary intellect was evident from the very beginning. Recognized with an IQ of over 150 at just five years old, his intelligence fueled his curiosity throughout life. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a chemistry degree, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to discovery, innovation, and teaching. John then went on to a PhD at SUNY Stonybrook.

At twenty-one years old, John became an assistant college professor of Advanced Organic Chemistry, where he inspired many students including the woman who would become the love of his life and lifelong partner. Throughout his distinguished career, he continued sharing his passion for science and engineering, serving as a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), teaching Quality Control and Toy Development. Later as an instructor of Cosmology in the FDU FILL (Florham Institute for Lifelong Learning) program, where he enthusiastically explored the mysteries of the universe with fellow lifelong learners.

John's professional accomplishments were likewise of merit. He founded JCF Research Associates Inc., his engineering and product development firm, and ran it for more than thirty-five years. His expertise helped shape countless consumer products through his manufacturing operations in Hong Kong and China, and his contributions to the toy industry earned him recognition in Who's Who of the Toy Industry at just thirty-three years old.

In September 2016, his work was honored with the prestigious Mattel Toy of the Year Award, a fitting recognition for decades of innovation and excellence, with many patents to his name. Yet, John's greatest gifts extended far beyond his professional achievements. He possessed an extraordinary ability to solve almost any problem, repair nearly anything placed before him, and generously shared his knowledge with anyone eager to learn. His mind never stopped asking
questions, seeking answers, or imagining what might be possible. Above all, John was a man of unwavering integrity. As he often reminded his daughter, from the time she was young: “A promise is a promise." Those were not mere words; they were the principles by which he lived every day. If John gave his word, it was kept.

Away from his work, John found his greatest peace in the open water, 800 miles away from shore. He was an accomplished blue-water sailor with more than 20,000 nautical miles under his belt, the proud captain of his beloved 47-foot CATANA, La Vie En Rose. He cherished countless days beneath endless skies, where the sea met the stars. He searched the cosmos above, and satisfied his passion for astronomy, cosmology, quantum physics, and the endless questions of our universe.

He delighted in traveling the world, appreciating fine wines, exceptional whiskies, bourbons, and rhums, and embracing new cultures and adventures wherever life carried him. Whether exploring distant shores or enjoying a quiet evening under a starlit sky, John lived with enthusiasm, curiosity, and gratitude. He also built beautiful homes and lasting memories with his family, including cherished villas in New Jersey and Sint Maarten which became gathering places for those he loved.

Of all the titles John held, engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, professor, sailor, innovator, his most treasured were husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind the loves of his life, his devoted wife, Sue, his loving daughter Melissa and two beautiful granddaughters, Lyra and Kyara who brought immeasurable joy to his later years. John was the consummate family man. We who loved him are saddened by his passing but we are grateful that John is now at peace and riding the waves to the stars and becoming one with the universe.

To everyone who shared in John's remarkable journey, his neighbors, friends, colleagues, students, and family, thank you for your friendship, kindness, encouragement, and love throughout his life.

In honor of John, we invite you to raise a glass of your favorite wine, whisky, bourbon, or rhum and celebrate a life lived boldly, brilliantly, and with unwavering integrity.

Fair winds and following seas. 

Link to John's obituary here.