Paul S. Bush

Paul S. Bush

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Paul S. Bush was the pioneering founder of Bush Industries, Inc., and a luminary in the American RTA furniture business.

Born May 5, 1936, in Olean, N.Y., to Stanley and Sophia Bush, Paul's life was a testament to the power of vision, community and family values. He will be leaving a permanent mark on both the industry he revolutionized and the communities he enriched.

Paul grew up as the oldest son in a family that cherished hard work and respect for others. His academic life was equally promising. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering.

His first job was as an application engineer with Clark Brothers in Olean, laying the foundation for an illustrious career.

In 1959, Paul joined his family's business and laid the groundwork for what would become Bush Industries, Inc. Recognizing the untapped potential in the emerging electronics furniture sector during the mid-1970s, he steered the company towards this new frontier. His gamble paid off. By 1979, Bush Industries was pioneering solutions tailored for the American lifestyle, becoming the first RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) manufacturer to incorporate wood solids and veneers. The company grew to become one of the top-10 furniture manufacturers in the United States, leading the way in innovative solutions for work and home life.

Paul often attributed his work ethic and philosophy to his parents' teachings. An advocate of cooperative business practices, he believed in empowering employees to realize their full potential, forging a workplace grounded in teamwork and family values.

Outside of the business world, Paul was a tireless philanthropist. He built two YMCA centers - one in Jamestown, N.Y., and the other in Fort Myers. Closest to his heart was the project Mi Refugio, a school and social service center situated in one of Guatemala City's largest garbage dumps. These projects were but a few examples of Paul's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Beyond business and philanthropy, Paul was a dedicated athlete and lifelong learner. A champion Tennis player at the Golf Harbour Club, he was also a member of the Single Digit Golf Group. Fitness was a creed he shared with his beloved wife, Diane, often seen in tandem at the Gulf Harbour gym.

A perpetual student of life, Paul's thirst for knowledge never waned.

Amid his many achievements, Paul deeply cherished friendships. These friendships, many lasting a lifetime, enriched his world and provided a source of joy and mutual support.

While achievements were many, and friendships were lasting, it was his wife and family that remained the cornerstone of Paul's life. Paul met Diane, the love of his life, in his late fifties. Her love was the missing piece that helped Paul become the man he had always dreamed of being: a loving husband, a guiding father, an involved grandfather and a caring sibling.

His wife, Diane; his children, Greg and Lauren, Doug and Gwen, Christine and William, David, Amy and Pablo; and their families, were his universe. He reveled in the joy of playing an active role in the lives of his grandchildren, Jamie, Danielle, Makenzie, Jackson, Maddox, Bella, Liv, Bianca, Octavio, Tim, Mitchell, Maleia and Matthew; along with his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Kaia.

Paul leaves behind not just a legacy of innovation and community service but also a family that will continue to honor his teachings and values. Paul's legacy is etched not just in wood and veneer but in the memories and hearts of countless lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Paul Bush Branch of the YMCA in Fort Myers in honor of Paul S. Bush. Donations can be made online at YMCA of Southwest Florida.