John P. Cushing

Funeral information

Home: Queensbury, NY Place of Birth:
Date of Death: February 27, 2010 Birthdate: March 13, 1923
Age: 86

Service information: Thursday, March 04, 2010 10:30 AM First Presbyterian Church, Glens Falls, NY

Biography

Queensbury
John P. "Jack" Cushing, of Queensbury, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, with family at his side. He was 86.

Born in 1923 and raised in Somerville, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Earl and Lillian Fowler Cushing. Jack initially attended Bates College, but with the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was transferred to Cornell University. While at Cornell, he met his wife Marion in a history class, and they later married on July 21, 1946, in Schenectady, New York.

During the war, Jack served in the Pacific Theater as part of the Fifth Marine Division. After the war, Jack returned to Cornell and received a B.A. Degree in 1947, and that was followed by an M.B.A Degree in 1949.
He remained in the Marine Corps Reserves, again serving in the Korean War, rising to the rank of Captain.

Following Cornell, Jack embarked on a life long career with the Scott Paper Co., where he started in sales in Boston MA, Richmond VA, and Sioux City IA, before relocating to the Philadelphia PA corporate headquarters in 1956. In 1982, he moved to the Glens Falls area, where he worked as the personnel manager of the Scott Paper Co. plant in Fort Edward.

During his Philadelphia years, Jack became involved as a volunteer in Swarthmore, PA where he lived with his wife and four sons. He served on Borough Council for eight years, and he was elected Mayor for another eight years (1974 - 1982). Looking back, he viewed his role in preserving the green space known as Little Crum Creek Park as his most rewarding collaborative effort. A very enthusiastic sports fan, Jack shared his love of sports with his sons as he volunteered as a coach for their elementary age sports teams. He was awarded the Swarthmore Recreation Association Volunteer of the Year Award in 1970, and he served as President of the Swarthmore Swim Club. Jack was the Scoutmaster for B.S. Troop 112 for many years, and later he received the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service. He and his family were active members of the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church.

After moving to Queensbury, Jack became even more involved as a volunteer. He was chair of the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce, and he served with the Glens Falls Rotary Club, the Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Department, the West Glens Falls Rescue Squad, and as an off-ice official for the local AHL teams. Described as "the volunteer's volunteer," Jack was awarded the Citizen Award in 2003 by the J.E. Sawyer and Company. Even in his eighties, Jack was not ready to slow his pace much, because he said that "volunteerism is what kept him feeling young." Jack also served on the Board of Trustees at the Lakeside Chapel, and on the advisory board of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company.

After Jack and Marion moved to the Glens Falls area, they appreciated the opportunity to live in the Lake George region, where they had previously vacationed for many years. Many of Jack's favorite times were family gatherings at their cottage on the lake, camping at Roger's Rock State Park, and numerous ski trips.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons and their wives, William S. (Wilda Fowler) of Rougemont, NC, John P. Jr. (Susan Phillips) of Homer, AK, Steven S. (Harriet Henderson) of Unionville, PA, and Scott C. (Colleen Kellerher) of Amherst, NH; a sister, Priscilla Cushing Giles of Concord, NH; ten grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Jack's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 10:30 in the morning.

Arrangements are under the direction of Regan and Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury NY 12804.

For those who wish online condolences may be made by visiting www.scott-barbieri.com





John Kovach March 2, 2010
Jack: You are going to be missed. I will try to do as good of a job you have done for years on the smoker. John Kovach QBY CENTRAL FP-1

jody lavine March 2, 2010
WILL MISS YOU

Alice Grether March 2, 2010
I didn't know Jack well but worked with him on a few committees. When I read about his passing I wanted to convey my condolences to his family. He had such a pleasant way about him - always friendly, kind and sincere. In reading about his life, he gave so much to the community and was, I'm sure, given much back in return. Alice Grether

Susan Combs March 2, 2010
I'll miss you, Jack. Thanks for being such a good friend when we were both active with Queensbury Central. It'll be difficult looking for you at the hockey games and knowing I won't see you.

Frank/Mary Ann DEPETERS March 2, 2010
Dear Merion & family...our warmest thoughts on the passing of this GREAT MAN!..a gentleman, friend, and true humanitarian...we miss you, and send our love...MaryAnn/Frank DEPETERS

Bill Higgins March 2, 2010
My sincerest condolences on Jacks passing. He will long be remembered and never forgotten. He was a true friend of the NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Committee.He always went the extra mile to make us feel welcome at the State Basketball Tournament.

Anne Cargile March 2, 2010
Jack was a wonderful board member of Gift of Life and a great membership recruiter for Glens Falls Rotary. We will all miss him.

Lon Penna March 2, 2010
We salute you, Jack, a solid member of the Greatest Generation. Thank you for your Service-Above-Self. We will miss you. Lon Penna-Glenville Rotary.

Corinne O March 3, 2010
Dear Marion, Carol phoned from Lake George with the sad news about Jack's death. We had some good times together which will always be fondly remembered. Thinking of you, Corinne and Otto

Della and Pete Darling March 3, 2010
Dear Marion and family - courtesy of Bruce Arnold's great system we learned of Jack's passing. We both wish you and yours ourdeepest sympathies ! We know what a great guy I worked for for over 20 years. Extra best wishes to you all. We live in Stratham, NH- so someday maybe we'd bump into Scott after all these years, or meet Priscilla - Take care - Della and Pete

Beth Cordiale-Lufkin March 3, 2010
Marion and family, I was very sorry to hear the news of Jack's passing. I hope you will find comfort knowing my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Jack with great thoughts. He was such a great person to know.

Joan Dobert March 4, 2010
Dear Marion Please accept my condolences for the loss of your husband. My thoughts are with you & yours at this difficult time. Hope to see you when we are back Home. Joanie Dobert

David Rainville March 4, 2010
My sincere condolences to Jack's family. I am sorry I was unable to attend the services for Jack. As a member of Queensbury Central I am proud to have known him.

Betsy Draper March 22, 2010
To the entire Cushing family. I am so sorry about your recent loss. I did not know Jack Sr but went to Swarthmore High with Jack Jr. Jack,it was quite by accident that I found this page and was saddened by the news of the death of your Dad. My sympathy goes out to you, your family , and all your relatives and friends. It would be very nice to hear from you if you get the chance to e-mail me. Hoping you are well, Betsy Draper

Marcia McCurdy Gray April 7, 2010
I was so sad when I heard of your loss. Though this does bring back so many happy memories of Swarthmore and Ocean City! Please know that my thoughts are with you all.