Michael Rush Obituary
Legacy
Born on September 20, 1945 in Philadephia, Fr. Rush garduated from Camden Catholic High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Mt. St. Paul College in Wisconsin. and his Master's Degree from Niagra University in Niagra, NY. He graduated from Christ the King Seminary in St. Bonaventure, NY and was ordained a priest May 19, 1973 at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gibbsboro, NJ by Most Reverend George H. Guilfoyle.
Frather Rush's ministry began at St. Patrick's In Woodbury and continued at St. Joan of Arc, Camden; St. Cecilia, Pensauken; St Joseph's, Sea Isle CIty and St. Thomas More, Cherry Hill where he served as Parochial Vicar before being assigned to Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Mullica Hill as Pastor. Father Rush also served as Pastor at St. Augustine, Ocean City and finally, St. Damien Parish, Ocean City where he served until his retirement in July of 2020.
Father Rush was blessed with numerous appointments throught his ministry which included; Priests' Religous Education Course, Special Education; Priests' Council; the SercSynod Commision and the Priest Co-Convener St. Augustine, St. Francis Cabrini and Our lady of Good Council, Ocean City.
Family
Beloved son of the late Paul and the late Pauline (nee Mellon) Rush. Devoted brother of the late Father Joseph P. Rush and Father James Rush. Father Rush is survived by his brother, Paul and his wife Olga Rush of Tucson, AZ. Loving uncle of Ingrid Rush of Phoenix, AZ and Michael and his wife Rebecca Rush of Haymarket, VA. Proud great-uncle of Gabriella Rush and Madelynne Rush.
Farewell Tribute
Father Rush's Funeral Mass of Jesus Christ the High Priest will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 27 Kresson-Gibbsboro Road, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026 celebrated by Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan. Monsignor Louis Marucci will be the homilist. At the family's request, Interment will be private.
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Lucille O´Keefe
March 20, 2025
One year has passed. The pain of missing you lingers, but not so much so that I do not rejoice in the sure knowledge that you walk with Jesus in Paradise. Whisper my name to Him.
Love,
Lucille
Michael and Theresa
September 21, 2024
Happy Heavenly Birthday Fr. Michael
Miss you here but I know you are with us always in our hearts We are so happy to be in back in OC You knew we loved it
Lucille O´Keefe
September 20, 2024
Father Michael Rush and Father James Rush -
Absent from my sight, but never my memory;
Beyond my touch, yet ever in my heart.
Happy Heavenly Birthday!
I love you and I miss you both.
Always,
Lucille
Kathleen Rushton
May 7, 2024
Father Mike Rush came into our lives when we needed a man of God, a holy priest. It was the early 80's and our family was helped so graciously by Father Rush. He was instrumental in helping our children in the local CYO in Sea Isle, provided family counseling in our turmoil and assisted my husband in an annualment, so we could be married in the Catholic Church. He gave my father Holy Viaticum in his last days here on earth and conferred 5 sacraments upon our daughter. He upheld the truths of the Catholic Faith and we loved and admired him. I am only gladdened knowing he is with his beloved brothers and Mom and Dad and Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom. God Bless You, Father Mike! We sure love you.
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Kim Olson and Simo Adi
March 26, 2024
The world shines so much brighter for all who knew, learned from and experienced Father Michael´s grace. We met Father Michael on our first trip to Aruba during a global pandemic. There weren´t many of us, but we bonded with Father Michael over snickers. We had dinners together and eventually he told us he was a catholic priest! What an honor to have made such a friend. He soon became Father Snickers to us. He loved that name.
We met Olga, Paul, little Mike, Rebecca and cousins and more retired priests. We wish we could be with you to celebrate him. So many fun stories from his Eagle Beach family. Many thanks to Mark, Suzanne, Karen and John for sharing our `family pictures´
With love, peace and longing
Kim and Simo
Steve Girone
March 26, 2024
So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Father Rush. My first memory of Father Rush was in OCNJ many years ago for the Feast of the Assumption. After Mass, Father Rush led a procession to the beach where he mounted a jet ski and was escorted out past the waves. He blessed the ocean and tossed a wreath into the ocean in honor of Mary and then proceeded to do a back flip off the jet ski and body surf back in! My family will never forget it. Beyond that, I saw Jesus in this man every time our paths crossed. Rest in Peace.
Suzanne and Mark Morand
March 26, 2024
Suzanne and Mark Morand
March 26, 2024
Suzanne and Mark Morand
March 26, 2024
Suzanne and Mark Morand
March 26, 2024
Our deepest sympathies go out to Paul, Olga and the rest of the Rush family. We are so sad for the loss of our best Aruba friend, Father Michael. He was such a kind, compassionate and generous person. He absolutely loved his daily morning swim, lazy afternoons under palapa #6, trips to the casino, and most of all hosting sunset happy hour on his balcony. Our time in Aruba has been enriched beyond measure because of Father Michael. He genuinely touched the lives of so many people, both visitors and locals, always making everyone feel like family. Eagle beach will not be the same without our dear friend. We will miss him.
Theresa Cordi
March 26, 2024
Fr. Michael was a special man sent from God. We were all blessed to have him in our lives. We will miss him dearly. We have so many found memories of Fr. Michael.
This photo was last time we enjoyed his company here on earth. Though I feel he is still with us Sending our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
The Walshes
March 26, 2024
Father Rush- what a kind, empathetic soul.
Countless memories... RIP Father Rush, you sure will be missed. I will be praying to you, Father Rush, you´re a Saint!
Betty Monroe
March 25, 2024
I remember Father Mike as we called him from CYO at St. Patricks. He would take the kids skiing every year along with Father Joe to New York and Vermont. Rest in Peace you will be missed.
Betty Fox Keeley
March 25, 2024
Betty Fox Keeley
March 25, 2024
Betty Fox Keeley
March 25, 2024
Christine and Joseph Torello
March 25, 2024
To the family of Father Rush. Our hearts are broken. Please accept our sincere condolences. Why? , because he was an absolute joy to know, a blessing that God brought into our lives, an instrument for repairing past hurts and damage, a thoughtful, caring, compassion man. We met while parishioners at St Thomas More, formed a beautiful friendship, which culminated in his marrying us at his new parish in Mullica Hill, January 4, 1997. Over the years, it was exchanging cards and notes at holidays, and we loved to surprise him by popping into mass as he moved from parish to parish. Hugs and smiles, all around. Rest in peace, very special priest, man and friend.
Christine and Joseph Torello
Karen Bowen
March 25, 2024
Dearest Paul and Olga....we were so saddened to learn about Father Michael...this year was extra special having the opportunity to attend "Michael´s" mass with the both of you. It was such a touching experience. We will never forget the both of you and our great discussions. We send our love and deepest condolences. Karen and John Bowen.
Natasha Trautman
March 25, 2024
Father Rush was very "down to Eath" priest. Very sincere. He baptized my daughter. We going to miss him dearly.
Pat Borgese
March 25, 2024
I was saddened by the news of Fr. Michael´s passing. He was such a kind and caring Priest. Always a smile on his face. We became friends when his twin, Fr. Jim was Pastor in Bridgeton. Over the years they became like family. I have so many fond memories especially how they treated my father as their own. He was my spiritual advisor and anointed me before several medical issues. I will miss him but I am filled with joy to know he is at peace at home with Our Lord and his family in heaven. Rest peacefully in the arms of the angels until we meet again. My thoughts and prayers are with his brother, nieces and nephew.
Lucille O´Keefe
March 25, 2024
My heart is broken beyond measure, Dear Heart. How I will miss you - your warmth, your kindness, your patience. I hope you knew how much I love you and that you took that love with you on your journey. Your daily prayers for me I am confident will continue and you will be my intercessor in Heaven.
I will cherish in a special way the laughter we shared and in that light let me say you did not get to bless the new car (). Only you and I can appreciate that!
Until we meet again, Dear Heart, rest in His Peace. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Love,
Lucille (OKeefe)
P.S. Give Father Jim a "Rush-size" bear hug from me!
Clare McCarroll
March 25, 2024
Shocked and sadden to hear of Father´s passing. He was my pastor in both Mullica Hill and Ocean City. He was compassionate, understanding and inspiring. When I was first diagnosed with cancer he came to our house to give me a special blessing. Can´t express how meaningful that was to me. He has touched so many lives and will always be a special person to me. He will be missed.
Clare McCarroll
Betty Fox Keeley
March 24, 2024
Betty Fox Keeley
March 24, 2024
Betty Fox Keeley
March 24, 2024
Betty Fox Keeley
March 24, 2024
My deepest sympathies to Paul and Olga and families. We just had Father Mike at our home for our annual St Patty´s dinner on Sunday night, received a thank you text on Monday and an Easter card on Friday.
He was not only the priest that married Craig and I but he was there for me anointing me with healing oils when I had a double lung transplant and for the past seven years we developed a wonderful friendship as well enjoying Aruba together be it the beach, dining or mass. He also was a compassionate man, my confidant . I´m so happy he got to the holy lands last year and very fitting he was called home during Holy Week , the one thing he trained his whole life for to be with our creator. I will miss him beyond words as many will and I pray for comfort for his family.
Maureen Meagher
March 24, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Father Rush. He and his twin brother Jim were classmates of mine at Camden Catholic High school class of 1964. He was a gentle
soul, always had a smile on his face. He and his twin brother were in our senior play. I can remember both them like it was yesterday. Now they will be together forever and eternity. My condolences to his family. May he forever rest in peace. He and Jim will be greatly missed!
Barbara Bene Rosenthal
March 24, 2024
Fr Rush will forever hold a place in my heart. He served at St Thomas More and I attended, not being a Roman Catholic. My father was ill and I was on a journey to know the Holy Spirit. With the help of Fr. Rush I, during the Easter season made a connection and converted as well. The Easter season always remains a special time in my life as I became a better Christian and Fr Rush knew that, as he told me it was spacial for him too. My mother loved my found religious dedication and always accompanied me to church. She said she wanted what I felt and Fr Rush converted her as well at the Easter Vigil service a few years after mine.
Im sorry to see him pass but I feel the timing, if he had to pass, would be what he would have wanted, The Easter Season. Thank you Fr. Rush!!!
Karen Bowen
March 24, 2024
We´ve have been blessed with our friend "Michael" from Aruba. He touched our hearts in many loving and caring ways. He was our protector at Eagle beach. Our yearly trip to Aruba will never be the same. Forever in our hearts! John and Karen Bowen
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