George Cushmac

George Edward Cushmac died peacefully at home with his loving family on August 24, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. He is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Anne Marie (Quintin Kendall), sons G. Edward (Alice) and Michael (Stephanie), grandchildren Timothy, Judith, Sophie and Francesca, numerous nephews and nieces, and other loving family. George was preceded in death by his beloved son Robert, his sister Nancy Cushmac Hanley, and her husband, James Edward Hanley II.

George was born in Providence, Rhode Island on August 16, 1938, the oldest child of Irene Louise (Berger) Cushmac and George Edward Cushmac. He graduated from LaSalle Academy, spent summers at Camp Yawgoog and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, pledged Sigma Nu fraternity at the University of Rhode Island, lifeguarded at Matunuck Beach, and was a state champion long-distance runner. He obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Catholic University of America, where he met Mary, a fellow graduate student. The two married and moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where they raised their four children.

Until his retirement in 2011, George worked as a chemist for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and coauthored multiple editions of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), used by first responders to transportation incidents involving dangerous goods or hazardous materials. He also served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

George was a dedicated runner, competing in numerous marathons and local races, and was an early member of the D.C. Road Runners club. He was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for more than 50 years, serving as a lay minister and driving for ALIVE!. George also loved folk music and was certified a "Black Belt of Folk Music" by Dick Cerri, host of the local "Music Americana" radio show, for his music trivia knowledge.

The Cushmac family is deeply grateful to the Capital Caring hospice team for their kindness, loving care and support, especially recognizing Sally, Alfred, Kumba, Mary and Heidi. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. The family will receive visitors at the church at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALIVE! (www.alive-inc.org) or Capital Caring (www.capitalcaring.org).