Dublin Core
Identifier
2024-026
Title
Robert "Bob" Cushman obituary, 2023
Subject
People
Description
Robert L. Cushman (1926 - 2023).
Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Lawless Cushman of Worthington MA passed on to be with his Lord on October 8, 2023, at the age of 97. Robert was a man highly respected in his spheres of influence, known particularly as a hard-working man who loved his family, served his community, and left a legacy of love for wildlife and nature. Robert aka "Bob" was born in Greenfield, MA on April 8, 1926, the youngest son of Burt and Alice Cushman. He was adored by his 3 pre-deceased siblings, Jack, Corky, and Lee, and their children; and his extended family also included his life-long best friend Ernie Hatter, Stamford CT. Bob was an avid learner known for his tremendous memory for names and places, who enjoyed poetry, cooking, gardening, and building projects with wood. His formal education included Springfield Technical High School, Monson Academy, American International College, and Bartlett Tree School for his professional training as an Arborist. He developed that skill to become an expert tree surgeon and conservationist. In 1950, Bob married Carol Evelyn Stuart (pre-deceased) of Stamford CT, lived in Springfield and East Longmeadow MA, and became the father of 7 children. Bob cherished his children and had special relationships with their spouses and grandchildren. Sandra (and Stuart) Gittleman, Cornelius NC (Shira, Isaac, Daniel) Robbie S. (pre-deceased) Pamela (and Gary) Standing, Springfield MA (Michael) Connie Lieberwirth Villeneuve (pre-deceased) (Jill, Andrew, Taylor, Rachel) Mary-Alice (and Roger) Dager, Springfield MA (Grace) Tracey (and Rich) Walz, Brewster MA (Jamison, Joseph, Andrew) Scott (and Laura) Cushman, East Longmeadow MA (Zachary, Hannah) Professionally Bob worked for the Springfield Parks Department, founded his own R. L. Cushman Tree Company, and provided leadership for the MassMutual Grounds Service for 30 years. Several trees were planted and nurtured by Bob, adorning the Pioneer Valley and beyond. In 1992, Bob married Carol Ann Sheret of Hampden MA, blending his family with her family of three daughters, who he loved as his own. Ginger Kairys, Westfield MA (Melissa, Jenny) Bonnie Charpentier (and Paul), Huntington MA (Krystle, Paul) Wendy (and Chris) Nardacci, Anaconda MT (Nichole, Amber) Together, Bob and Carol Ann built an incredibly beautiful life together. They fulfilled their dream of designing and building a home in Worthington which they fondly called "a piece of heaven on earth" …a destination for family and friends and a wildlife refuge, which offered hospitality and love to all. FAMILY was Bob and Carol Ann's number one priority. They loved spending time with their children and spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and provided several opportunities to experience life from whale watches, hayrides, craft fairs, and many life celebrations. Together, Bob and Carol Ann shared 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Though Bob and Carol Ann shared a large family there were no boundaries to whom they would embrace and take as their own, especially their adopted grandson, Terence Fowler. This "spirit of adoption" was the hallmark of their lives together, a legacy they inspired.
Throughout his life Bob loved sports. As a young man he excelled playing football and basketball. When he became a father, he transitioned to coaching recreational league basketball, football, and girls' softball. Bob was a much beloved coach and mentor. Bob had an innate gift to see someone's capacity and encouraged their potential earning him the endearing title of "Coach." He was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and college teams. Bob was a faithful and active church member, laying a foundation of Christian faith for his children when they were young, and most recently served the community of Worthington and Worthington Congregational Church. His faith-in-action was caring for and serving others. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Farkas who for several decades attended to Bob's health and wellness, extending his life, and became a dear friend. Also, special thanks to Mercy Medical Center and its staff for providing stellar care.
Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Lawless Cushman of Worthington MA passed on to be with his Lord on October 8, 2023, at the age of 97. Robert was a man highly respected in his spheres of influence, known particularly as a hard-working man who loved his family, served his community, and left a legacy of love for wildlife and nature. Robert aka "Bob" was born in Greenfield, MA on April 8, 1926, the youngest son of Burt and Alice Cushman. He was adored by his 3 pre-deceased siblings, Jack, Corky, and Lee, and their children; and his extended family also included his life-long best friend Ernie Hatter, Stamford CT. Bob was an avid learner known for his tremendous memory for names and places, who enjoyed poetry, cooking, gardening, and building projects with wood. His formal education included Springfield Technical High School, Monson Academy, American International College, and Bartlett Tree School for his professional training as an Arborist. He developed that skill to become an expert tree surgeon and conservationist. In 1950, Bob married Carol Evelyn Stuart (pre-deceased) of Stamford CT, lived in Springfield and East Longmeadow MA, and became the father of 7 children. Bob cherished his children and had special relationships with their spouses and grandchildren. Sandra (and Stuart) Gittleman, Cornelius NC (Shira, Isaac, Daniel) Robbie S. (pre-deceased) Pamela (and Gary) Standing, Springfield MA (Michael) Connie Lieberwirth Villeneuve (pre-deceased) (Jill, Andrew, Taylor, Rachel) Mary-Alice (and Roger) Dager, Springfield MA (Grace) Tracey (and Rich) Walz, Brewster MA (Jamison, Joseph, Andrew) Scott (and Laura) Cushman, East Longmeadow MA (Zachary, Hannah) Professionally Bob worked for the Springfield Parks Department, founded his own R. L. Cushman Tree Company, and provided leadership for the MassMutual Grounds Service for 30 years. Several trees were planted and nurtured by Bob, adorning the Pioneer Valley and beyond. In 1992, Bob married Carol Ann Sheret of Hampden MA, blending his family with her family of three daughters, who he loved as his own. Ginger Kairys, Westfield MA (Melissa, Jenny) Bonnie Charpentier (and Paul), Huntington MA (Krystle, Paul) Wendy (and Chris) Nardacci, Anaconda MT (Nichole, Amber) Together, Bob and Carol Ann built an incredibly beautiful life together. They fulfilled their dream of designing and building a home in Worthington which they fondly called "a piece of heaven on earth" …a destination for family and friends and a wildlife refuge, which offered hospitality and love to all. FAMILY was Bob and Carol Ann's number one priority. They loved spending time with their children and spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and provided several opportunities to experience life from whale watches, hayrides, craft fairs, and many life celebrations. Together, Bob and Carol Ann shared 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Though Bob and Carol Ann shared a large family there were no boundaries to whom they would embrace and take as their own, especially their adopted grandson, Terence Fowler. This "spirit of adoption" was the hallmark of their lives together, a legacy they inspired.
Throughout his life Bob loved sports. As a young man he excelled playing football and basketball. When he became a father, he transitioned to coaching recreational league basketball, football, and girls' softball. Bob was a much beloved coach and mentor. Bob had an innate gift to see someone's capacity and encouraged their potential earning him the endearing title of "Coach." He was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and college teams. Bob was a faithful and active church member, laying a foundation of Christian faith for his children when they were young, and most recently served the community of Worthington and Worthington Congregational Church. His faith-in-action was caring for and serving others. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Farkas who for several decades attended to Bob's health and wellness, extending his life, and became a dear friend. Also, special thanks to Mercy Medical Center and its staff for providing stellar care.
Type
Document
Format
scanned text from website
Creator
unknown
Date
2023-10-08
Publisher
Legacy.com
Date Available
2024-03-03
Is Part Of
digital archive
Medium
Electronic
Coverage
Worthington - South Worthington
Mediator
db created item 2024-03=03
Document Item Type Metadata
Text
Obituary for Robert "Bob" Cushman
Original Format
Document - Electronic
Comments