Joseph “Joe” Samuel Cush of Shreveport, LA, died September 18, 2026, at the age of 96 following a brief illness. The son of the late Paul and Angelina Cush, Joe was born May 27, 1930, in Shreveport, where he lived a full life devoted to his family, his faith, and his lifelong career in the grocery business.
Joe attended St. John Berchmans School and graduated from Fair Park High School in 1947. In 1951, Joe married the love of his life, Annie Lee Gullo, resulting in a union that lasted 70 years. Shortly after their marriage, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he began what would become a long career as a beloved grocer known for his quick wit and homespun wisdom.
A tireless worker who began earning his own way at the age of 14, Joe was a natural salesman. He instinctively understood the art of creating demand through perceived scarcity and how to effectively use relative pricing. Many of his customers became regulars, returning not only for the groceries but also to hear one of Joe’s stories. He was never one to let a few facts get in the way of a good punchline, and his stories could become more embellished with each retelling.
A member of the Knights of Columbus, Joe was a devoted Catholic whose faith was an integral to his life and his values. His strong work ethic was fueled in part by his determination to provide his three children with a Catholic education.
Joe is survived by his three children, Paul Joseph Cush (Jean), Sarah Cush Winkler (Peter), and Donna Cush Miciotto; nine grandchildren: Paul Cush, Jr. (Christina), Christopher Cush (Dori), Caroline Cush Bryan (Wade), Elizabeth Cush Springmeyer (Jeff), John Peter Winkler, Patrick Winkler, Connor Winkler (Mary Marshall), Madison Miciotto, Matthew Miciotto (Dakota); 10 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Angelina Cush; his beloved wife, Annie Lee Gullo; and his siblings, Zena Marabella, Josephine Miciotto, and Anthony Cush.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the many doctors and caregivers whose skill and compassion helped Joe live a rich, full life.
A visitation will be held at Osborn Funeral Home on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. and followed by a recitation of the Rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Cush’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Sammy Renda, Sammy Pedro, and Ace Lewis.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, or Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.