Robert Charles Rush, Sr., 90, of Concord, died peacefully at Emerson Hospital amidst the presence of his loving family on January 29, 2024, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband for 69 years of Isabelle (Gagnon) Rush.
Born on November 11, 1933, he was the son of the late Joseph and Sophronia (Kelly) Rush. Growing up in a rural area of northern Maine, Bob was the youngest of 8 siblings. He had a happy childhood that included potato farming, fishing, hunting and assisting at his father’s general store. He earned a B.S. in Biology from St. Bonaventure University in New York.
Just out of college, Bob worked in pharmaceutical sales, which was followed by serving as Vice President of Sales for a lab equipment manufacturing company. His professional career culminated with the founding of Rush Enterprises, a scientific equipment manufacturing company he operated for nearly twenty years.
Bob was a parishioner at Our Lady Help of Christians, and later St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish in Concord. He was also a lifelong golfer. Bob took immense pride in his grandchildren, which included annual family trips. He looked forward to attending Rush family reunions every five years in Maine. In November 2023, Bob marked his 90th birthday with a wonderful celebration, where great stories were told and many laughs were shared. He treasured being with those he loved.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two daughters, Ginger Bailey and her husband Michael and Diane Day and her husband Nathan, his grandchildren, Kristin Rush and her partner Tom Cross, Kimberly Kelley and her husband Michael, Ryan Day and his wife Danielle, Heather and Alyson Bailey, as well as two great-grandsons, Noah and Caleb Kelley. He was predeceased by his son, Robert C. Rush, Jr. and seven siblings.
Family and friends are invited to Bob’s Funeral Mass on Monday, February 5th at 10 am in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Bob’s honor to St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499 Essex Station Boston, MA 02112-0499 or to Holy Family Parish, c/o Concord-Carlisle Catholic Parish Center, 70 Monument Square, Concord, MA 01742.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Bob’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
