David J. Cushing

CUSHING, David J., 60, of East Sandwich, MA passed away peacefully in his sleep in the home he shared with his loving wife, Kathleen (Hobin) Cushing. Better known to those who loved him as Cush, he was born to the late Dorothy (DeGraan) Cushing and David Cushing in Boston, MA on December 24, 1960. He is survived by his two sisters, Cheryl Cushing of Sandwich, MA and Debra Jordan of Naples, FL and her husband Steve. He was the devoted father of Megan Kyttle of Sandwich, MA and her husband Bill, Kristen Raulerson of Salem, CT and her husband Perry, Kerry Davis of Sandwich, MA and her husband Joseph, and Mary-Kate Chambers of North Attleboro, MA and her husband Jason. He leaves behind ten adoring grandchildren: David, Maddie and Patrick Kyttle, Emily, Liam and Hannah Raulerson, JJ, Allie and Hadley Davis, and Colleen Chambers.

David grew up in Boston and attended Boston Latin Academy, where he made lifelong friends. This was the theme of his life because to know Cush was to love him. He met Katie on a blind date in 1978. They were inseparable from the start and shared 38 years of blissful marriage. Together they had four daughters, affectionately known as the girls. Cush and Katie built their home in Sandwich, MA, the perfect setting to pass down his love of the ocean onto the girls and grandchildren.

Cush was an avid boater and fisherman, a passion he shared with his own father. He was happiest with a fishing rod in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, and his fishing buddies by his side. His smile was biggest when he was out on the water fishing or cruising with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

David showered his girls with unselfish love. There was never a call unanswered, or a visit that did not end with a “love ya, kid”. No coffee tasted better than the one silently handed to you on Sunday morning. He was our biggest fan and made sure we knew that every day. He taught us that nothing is more important than family, leading by example with the wonderful relationship he shared with his own parents and sisters. He filled the house with laughter, made up songs, and teasing, while Katie filled it with unconditional support (and food). Together they made a haven where all friends and family felt warm and welcome.

Our dad showed us every day what it means to be a good husband and father. He set the gold standard for his son-in-laws and our family grew by four. To him, the boys were more than in-laws. They became the sons he never had, and we see a little piece of him in each of them.

Although he went by many names, his favorite name was Grampy. He could calm any grandchild easily with an Irish lullaby, but there was no louder cheerleader on the side lines. He made time for ventures and calooping and was the first to announce the sound of the ice cream truck. There was never a Grampy more loved than him and although we will miss him fiercely, as Katie and Cush’s song goes, “We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad for all the life we’ve had, and we’ll remember when”.

A funeral mass will be held June 1, 2021 at 11:00 at Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich, MA, with interment to follow at Sandwich Town Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.