Robert L. Cushing

Robert L. Cushing
Middleboro, ties to Chelmsford, Navy Vet; 94

MIDDLEBORO -- Robert Lovell Cushing, aged 94 years, lifelong resident of Middleboro, died on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Morton Hospital, Taunton.

He was the husband of the late Elizabeth Dean (Smith) Cushing, who predeceased him on January 18, 2002.

He was born in Brockton, son of the late Josiah Stearns Cushing, longtime superintendent of schools in Middleboro, and Marjorie Augusta (Luce) Cushing. He was a graduate of Middleboro Memorial High School, class of 1935, and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Amherst College in 1939. He earned an M.A. degree at the University of Notre Dame and did additional graduate work at the University of Chicago.

During WWII, he served in the United States Navy. Bob was involved in the insurance industry throughout his adult life. He began as a salesman for Aetna Casualty for years. He worked in Boston for Boit, Dalton & Church, and Frank B. Hall & Company. He started the Robert L Cushing Insurance in Middleboro.

In the later years of his career. he spent most of his time in his local office on Thatcher's Row. In 1979 his business merged with Richard Anderson, and moved to 148 West Grove St. He served on the board of directors of the Middleborough Trust Company for almost 50 years, and remained on the board when the Trust Company merged with the Rockland Trust Company in 1988. He also served as the director of the Hannah B. Griffith Shaw Home for the Aged.

Bob was a member of the May Flower Lodge A.F. & A.M. for over 60 years, and was their Senior Past Master. He was recognized as a regular Commandery of Knight Templer. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America, particularly the Annawon Council. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in recognition for his years of support. He was a Trustee of the Thomas Peirce Estate. He and the other trustees have helped to fund a variety of programs and projects. The Kiwanis Club honored Bob and the other trustees as their "Man of the Year" in 1999. He belonged to the Middleboro Lodge of Elks and the Middleboro Lions Club, and provided support for numerous organizations and charities including, the Middleboro YMCA, the Atkins Girl Scout House, and the Church of Our Saviour Episcopal.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed time spent entertaining and traveling with friends and family. In recent years he has been a favorite of his 11 great-grandchildren. For many years he enjoyed playing tennis and didn't put his racquet away until he was in his 80s. Many will remember him as a dedicated business man and civic leader; others will remember his lunchtime visits to several local restaurants with his friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Judith Lemira Thomas of Chelmsford; his daughters-in-law, Kimberly Ann (Bendixsen) Cushing of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Alice Alger (Borsari) Cushing of Stow, Maine; seven grandchildren, Damon Thomas of Coral Springs, FL, Lauren Thomas Paquin of Shutesbury, MA, Josiah Stearns Cushing III of North Potomac, MD, Jeffrey Steven Cushing of Franklin, MA, Jennifer Smith (Cushing) Palmer of Harrisville, RI, Melissa Ann Cushing of San Diego, CA, Benjamin Dean Cushing of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was father of the late Josiah Stearns Cushing II, Jonathan Dean Cushing, and Jean Carol Cushing.

CUSHING -- Visiting hours will be held in the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro, on Tuesday, June 12th from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held in the Church of Our Saviour Episcopal, Centre St., Middleboro on Wednesday, June 13th at 11 am. Burial will take place in Central Cemetery, Middleboro. Donations in his memory may be made to: The Church of Our Saviour, Church Restoration Fund, 56 Union St., Middleboro, MA 02346 or to: The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For more information, please visit www.eggerandashleyfh.com