Hon. Donald W. Cushing

SCARBOROUGH Hon. Donald W. Cushing, Sr., 90, of Scarborough, ME, formerly of Franklin, NH, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 23, 2015. Born in Franklin, NH, on September 6, 1924, Donald was the eighth son of the late Patrick J. and Frances Weston Cushing. He graduated from Franklin High School, Class of 1942. Following High School, Donald completed naval training at Purdue University and honorably served his country in World War II and as a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve. Donald was one of thirteen children, nine of whom served in the War -- a patriotic contribution which was recognized when his mother was honored with the privilege of christening a Navy ship. Donald received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Virginia in 1946 and his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1949. That same year he was admitted to the NH Bar and opened his own law practice in his home town, where he would practice for over forty years. He soon married the love of his life, Claire, in 1952. They started a family, which eventually grew to include five children who, like Don, were all baptized at St. Pauls Church and raised in the Catholic faith. Having grown up in a large family during the Great Depression, Donald had a strong work ethic, high moral standards and a deep respect for others, particularly those in need. In his own words, he found great joy in helping people with their legal problems and, at times, their personal problems. He felt he had a good rapport with his brothers and sisters of the bar, describing them as some of the nicest people he ever met. Donald served his community in many capacities. He was a president and member of the Chamber of Commerce, a president and member of Kiwanis and a member of the Board of Education and Parks and Recreation Committee. He was City Solicitor of Franklin from 1954 to 1960 and Chair of the Franklin Democratic Committee from 1953 to 1960. This latter role earned him a spot as an alternate delegate to the Los Angeles Democratic Convention that nominated John F. Kennedy as a candidate for President. Donald also had the privilege of escorting then Senator Kennedy around Franklin during the presidential campaign when he was Mayor, an office he held for two terms in the early 1960s. Donald also served as a trustee of Franklin Savings Bank for many years. Donald was appointed as a Judge of the New Hampshire Circuit Court, Probate Division of Merrimack County in 1967. He served 26 years until his retirement in 1993. He expected lawyers to be prepared, and was known for treating all who came before him with compassion and fairness. One lawyer commented that Judge Cushings court was a shining example of how laws relating to fiduciaries should be enforced. Donald enjoyed golfing at Mojalaki Country Club and fishing with friends in the Connecticut Lakes. He had a dry Irish wit and loved to sing. Above all else in life, Donald loved his family. He was kind, gentle and devoted to his wife and family, all of whom will remember him fondly for his loving and caring nature. He will be missed greatly. He was predeceased by his 12 siblings. Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Claire (Larkin) Cushing of Scarborough, ME; loving children, Donald W. Cushing, Jr. and wife Marie of Ocala, FL, Anne Breggia and husband John of Scarborough, Mary Thaete and husband Lonn of Meridian, ID, Carolyn Willard and husband Eugene of South Portland, ME, Paul Cushing and wife Carol Anne of Marblehead, MA; also survived by his 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished. Prayers will be recited on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 9:15AM in Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough. Private burial will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, Franklin, NH. To share a condolence or memory with the family, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. Those who wish may make contributions in Donalds memory to: The Maine Cancer Foundation. 170 US Route 1, Suite250, Falmouth, ME 04105