Charles Leo Bushong

1931 - 2025

Charles Leo Bushong
08/27/1931 - 10/22/2025
On the early morning of October 22, 2025, our dad passed away peacefully and joined his wife in their eternal love. Charles "Chuck" Bushong was married to our mom, Marilyn, for 67 years. Dad is survived by his children; Matthew Bushong (Jesusa); Michelle Bushong (Brian)and Mari Parino (Sam). Our dad's heritage continues with his grandchildren, Jeminah Buot (Fred); Daniel Parino (Molly); Caitlin Powell (Scott), Zoe Crowder (Sean); Haley Crowder; Jessica Doerschuk (Andy); and Anthony Bushong (Margaux); as well as his five great-grandchildren; Allyson, Sophia, Julia, Luke, and Benjamin.
Born in South Bend Indiana, dad grew up there and in Chicago, Illinois. He came to California, where he met our mom while working at General Mills in San Francisco. They were married on Valentines Day in 1953. Dad served in the U. S. Air Force and together they went to England, where he was stationed.
After leaving the military, dad became a California State police officer. He went on to become Secretary of the California State Supreme Court. He retired as a state employee after 31 years. Dad raised our family in South San Francisco and San Rafael.
Our dad was a "Renaissance Man." He loved classical and folk music and was a self-taught guitarist. He loved listening to his daughters play and sing music for him. He lived his dreams. He became a pilot and had his own airplane. He loved fine wine and became the tasting room manager for a winery. He loved to "wet the line" and was an avid fisherman whether it was from the ocean, or on a mountain stream.
Dad was a dedicated "DIY'er"…a man who liked to get his hands dirty. He built fences, laid concrete patios, painted his own houses, and did his own landscapes. He also had a woodshop and built furniture. Dad serviced his own vehicles and rebuilt the engine in one of them.
Most of all, our dad was a wonderful husband, loving dad, and a caring Papa. He was a supportive friend and a father or grandfather figure to many. He loved dogs and often had one on his lap. He was never shy about saying "Oh Boy" to a plate of his favorite Chinese food, a Manhattan cocktail, a mocha, or a cherished present.
You will be sorely missed Dad/Chuck…94 years of a life well lived. For information regarding a celebration of life, please reach out to the family.