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Richard Cushman Obituary
November 14, 1945 - December 26, 2024
It with deep sorry that we announce the death of Richard Stuart Cushman on December 26, 2024. Richard was the beloved son of Josephine Rose Cushman and George Stuart Cushman and the friend, mentor, and teacher of countless people over his 50-year career as an organist and as teacher at St. Vincent High School in Petaluma, U.C. Berkeley, Stanford University, and the College Preparatory School in Oakland.
Friends and anyone touched by Richard's life are invited to funeral service on January 4, 2024, at 12:00pm at St. Vincent de Paul Church at 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Gubbio Project, a sanctuary for unhoused people at St. John's the Evangelist in San Francisco, or to Doctors Without Borders.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cushman
Sponsored by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory - Petaluma.
Laura Kingsbury Rime
March 21, 2025
Mr Cushman was my teacher at st vincent from 1984-1985. He taught us western literature and Russian literature as if we were college students. We covered a lot of classic material but he always took the time to explain it to us and make it interesting. I loved his classes and went on to major in English largely due to his inspiration.
How many high school students can say they covered the entire divine comedy, the illiad and oddesey, hamlet, the dubliners and at least one greek play in high school? In college i was beyond prepared. Loved the way he taught, his bright enthusiasm and brilliant way of making it all comprehensible to a bunch of teenagers. The world lost an extremely gifted teacher with his passing.
Laura kingsbury rime
Joy (Mannion) Tucker LaBelle
January 14, 2025
Richard Cushman was an extraordinary teacher, a kind and decent man, and very, very dear. I was lucky enough to be one of his English students at St. Vincent High. I have never met any of his students who didn't think him-or-herself blessed to have known him. (He would appreciate the double negative.) If there are organs in heaven, the angels are listening in delight.
Pat Griffin
January 5, 2025
One good guy and swell teacher; coach, Mr. Kavanaugh's friend. I wasn't one of your prize pupils but I saw the inspiration you provided. Thank you.
Erin Harvey Moody
January 3, 2025
Richard was such a kind man. His organ music was part of what made St Alban's special. He used to practice at the church on the days I made the flower arrangements there and it felt like a magical private concert. He always made his garden available to me when I needed flowers, especially his beautiful red alstroemeria for Pentecost. We shared an appreciation of Bach, I will miss him sharing stories of his trips where he visited the organs in the cathedrals of Vienna.
Kevin Gortney
January 2, 2025
Richard was my teacher at St. Vincent High School. He was an amazing human being and teacher who inspired me to become a teacher. I will never forget the kindness and generosity he bestowed on me.
Tom Fields
January 2, 2025
One of the nicest people I ever met.RIP
Julie Wakelee
December 31, 2024
Richard was a dear friend and colleague over the 10 years I served as rector at St Alban´s Episcopal Church in Albany. Compassionate, witty, self-effacing, and so talented. Such a dear man! He will be much missed.
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory - Petaluma850 Keokuk Street FD12 CR91, Petaluma, CA 94952
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