John Dusko – RIP

Painter, illustrator, and cartoonist John Dusko has passed away.

From the obituary:

John Andrew Dusko, 90, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Reading Hospital. He was the husband of Annie E. Dusko.

John began formal art instruction at the age of 12. He graduated from Pottstown High School in 1951. He graduated from the Renowned School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1954. John then served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War.

After leaving the military, John was a commercial artist at various publishing and advertising companies. John was also a published cartoonist and illustrator. Yet, John’s true calling remained painting, so he painted professionally from 1956 until his passing. His award-winning work can be found in collections worldwide. There is an unfinished painting that remains on his easel that he was about to complete before his passing.

The January 4, 1980 Lebanon Sunday Pennsylvanian features John’s attempts to become a syndicated cartoonist:

They note that John had cartoons published in Model Railroading and Railroad Craftsman.

More of John Dusko’s paintings at his Facebook page.

A 2022 Berks County Living article about John’s painting adds some history:

“I’m originally from Pottstown. Starting when I was about 14, I was always interested in art. From Day One, I loved to draw,” he says. “I saw an article in the paper about an artist giving art lessons. My mother called…and so I’ve been painting scenes since that time. I just turned 89.”

So I went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I talked to one of the instructors, he gave me advice to work up a portfolio, and I took it to various ad agencies. At Beaumont Heller & Sperling, I got a job there for a number of years.” Illustration was big then. “Then American Casualty in Reading called me one day. They said, ‘We need an illustrator.’ I did go there, as they offered me more money.

His interest in the Reading Railroad spread to his cartooning itch. Below various cartoons via Ebay.

_{all images © The Estate of John Dusko}