Donald J"Don" Rushia Sr

Donald J. "Don" Rushia, Sr., 81, of Baldwinville and formerly of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, February 25, 2018 in his residence surrounded by family, following a brief illness.
Don was born in Winchendon on February 11, 1937, the son of the late Walter and Annette Mary Rose (Plante) Rushia.
He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1955, and received his Associates of Science in Accounting Degree from Becker Jr. College of Worcester in 1957.
Don served in the United States Air Force from 1958 through 1962, and received the Good Conduct Medal.
He was most recently employed by Valley Florist and Greenhouse of Gardner as a delivery driver for over 18 years. He was previously an Accountant employed for several years by various automobile dealerships in the area.
Don was a member of Annunciation Parish/Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church of Gardner, where he assisted with the Offertory Collection during Mass each week.
He enjoyed both regular fishing and ice fishing, hunting and going to the casinos. He was talented at fiber chair weaving, a craft he did for many years. Donald loved being home spending time with his family.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #747 of Gardner where he served as Past President and Secretary, and he was also a member of the Gardner Fish and Game Club.
Don leaves his wife of 55 years, Dorothy C. (Davis) Rushia of Baldwinville, two sons, Kevin P. Rushia of Florida and Donald J. Rushia, Jr. and his wife Tiffany of South Carolina; two daughters, Heidi A. Laingren and her husband Kenneth of Gardner and Kathleen M. Washburn and her husband Jason of Gardner; two brothers, David W. Rushia and his wife Judith of Norton, MA and Gary N. Rushia of Gardner; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sons, Shawn M. Rushia who died in 2011 and Christopher J. Rushia who died in 1998; and by one brother, Paul J. Rushia who died in 2008.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 8th at 10:00 a.m. in Annunication Parish/Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial with full Military Honors will be private and held at the convenience of the family in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Winchendon.
There are no calling hours.
Family and friends are asked to report directly to the church the morning of the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., 268 Central Street, Suite A, Gardner, MA 01440.
Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner is handling the arrangements.

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