George Bushika, 87

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  

George Bushika, beloved husband, father and grandpy, died Easter Sunday, March 31, after a short illness, with his loving family by his side.

The son of George and Grace Bushika, he was born in North Adams and grew up in Cheshire. He graduated from Adams Memorial High School, where he played basketball and served as president of his junior class. During high school and college, he worked part time at the family business, Bushika Sand and Gravel in Cheshire, and served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. George earned his bachelor and masters degrees from North Adams State College (now MCLA), where he met his wife, Joan. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 29, 2023.

After graduation, George entered the teaching profession. He was a much loved teacher at Lee Central School for 30 years, retiring in 1998. After his retirement from teaching, he took a part time job as a school bus driver with Dufour Bus Company. He never tired at the beautiful Vermont scenery on his route from McCann Tech to Readsboro each day. He retired from Dufour after 15 years of service.

Goerge was an avid runner for many years and was a long time member of the Northern Berkshire Running Club. He also volunteered along with his wife at the Adams Aggie Fair. He enjoyed reading and writing poetry, painting and hiking, and especially being with his family.

He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Joan (Maynard) Bushika and two loving sons, Mark Bushika of Adams and Eric Bushika of Cheshire. He also leaves two grandchildren, Cash and Ava, and his two sisters Claire Wohrle of Adams, and Mary Woolley of Cheshire, his aunt Joan Cellana and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Dean Patrick, his brother, Barry and his brother in-law, Werner Wohrle.

George was a kind, good and humble man. He loved a good cup of coffee, the poetry of Robert Frost, country music, and Sunday afternoon drives to Stewart’s and he was never without a package of Doublemint gum within arms length, no matter where he was.

He was a beautiful person who will be forever missed by those who loved him.

Funeral Notice: Calling hours will be held, Monday, April 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Cheshire. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to Cheshire Fire Department in care of Dery-Cheshire Funeral Home, P.O. Box 446, Cheshire, MA 01225.