As we previously posted, the PALS program and all who knew him suffered a huge loss last week with the passing of Dick Cushman. He leaves behind a rich legacy, as can be read in this loving obituary penned by his family:
Richard David Cushman was born February 14, 1929 in Norwich, New York. He graduated from Wilbur G. Lynch High School in 1946 and went on to earn a B.A in Liberal Arts from Columbia College of New York in 1950 and an M.B.A. in Accounting from City College of New York in 1960. Drafted into the Army, he served from December 1952 - June 1954, receiving an honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant in the Finance Corps. He remained on Reserve Duty with the Army till 1964.
Richard David Cushman was born February 14, 1929 in Norwich, New York. He graduated from Wilbur G. Lynch High School in 1946 and went on to earn a B.A in Liberal Arts from Columbia College of New York in 1950 and an M.B.A. in Accounting from City College of New York in 1960. Drafted into the Army, he served from December 1952 - June 1954, receiving an honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant in the Finance Corps. He remained on Reserve Duty with the Army till 1964.
In 1957, he began a 28 year career with Diamond International Corporation, eventually retiring as Vice President and General Manager of Western Retail Division. In 1988, he began a second career as a volunteer with the Tax Aid Program, helping seniors fill out their tax forms. After a year, he became the program coordinator.That same year, his love of reading led him to the Literacy Support Council. He not only worked as a tutor, but used his business skills to help the program achieve non-profit status, acquire grants, and set up a budget. Through the years, he served on the board in various positions. For his work with the Literacy Support Council, Richard was named the 962nd Point of Light by President George Bush in 1992.
Richard passed away quietly, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pamela Joanne Cushman, his daughters Cynthia Louise Hickman and Melissa Cushman Banczak, his sisters Sara Bouchonville and Cynthia Whited, and his grandchildren Danielle, Brandy, Codie, Richard and Kenneth.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Literacy Support Council, P.O. Box 5291, Auburn, Ca 95604 - 5291. Please leave your remembrances of Dick or post your sympathies to the family at http://tributes.com/show/Richard-Cushman-92721605.
