Thomas R. Bushell

Thomas R. Bushell, a Principal Traffic Engineer at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) from 1999 until his passing, died on October 5, 2024, at the age of 47, surrounded by his loving family and his faithful dog, Disco, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence after a brave battle with illness. He was the beloved son of Robert and Robyn Bushell, and a cherished brother to Suzanne Vieira and James Bushell and uncle to Victoria, Ava and Nicholas. He leaves behind his Aunt Donna and Uncle Ralph De Blasio and Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kenny Conti. Born seventeen days apart, his cousin Jennifer was his first friend. Along with his cousins Kenny and Lauren, they created many wonderful childhood memories.
Tom graduated from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Civil Engineering and earned his master's degree from the University of Rhode Island. His brilliant mind helped improve transportation safety, but his greatest gift was the immense love and compassion he shared with the world.
A lifelong music lover, Tom found solace and joy in the rhythms of his favorite bands, including The Disco Biscuits, Grateful Dead, and Phish. These bands were more than just music to Tom; they represented a philosophy and a community he held dear. Tom's passion for live music was palpable, and he relished in the shared experiences of concerts and festivals, where he connected with friends, both new and old. His love of these bands reflected his free spirit and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures, and he loved sharing these experiences with his best friends.
His bond with his dog, Disco, was unbreakable. Together, they enjoyed countless joyful days at the beach, playing catch in the surf, until Tom's illness made it impossible for him to care for Disco. In an act of love, he ensured Disco was cared for by his amazing sister Suzanne, who visited Tom every week and continues to provide Disco with a loving home.
Affectionately known as "The Mayor," Tom had a special way of connecting with everyone he met, becoming their friend and advocate, particularly for those less fortunate. His kindness, generosity, and compassion were legendary.
Tom loved everyone around him deeply, but his favorite person in the world was Kelly. She and her family loved Tom and brought him joy and comfort when he could otherwise find none. We are eternally grateful to them for loving him as much as we did. Tom was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him, especially his best friends Mike, Jim and Despina. May he rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing.
Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 9:30am-11:30am in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave. Warwick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm in St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Tom's burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that tax-deductible donations be made in Tom's name to the Hotel for Homeless Dogs in Cumberland, Rhode Island at newenglandhumanesociety.com. Tom's compassion for animals and his community will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.