Jack Kushner

Jack Kushner passed away July 6, 2025 of natural causes at the age of 90 at his home in Austin. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York in 1934, he also lived in California, Missouri, and upstate New York before settling in Austin in the late 1990’s. Jack was an exceptional student and athlete, becoming a top rated high school and college football player and track star in shot put and discus. He graduated a top student in architecture from Columbia University and earned a traveling scholarship to Europe to study classical art and architecture. Those months he spent in Europe with my mom were among the best times of his life, giving him a lifelong love of travel, art and good food. His talents led to a long and successful career as an architect and he was responsible for designing buildings in Sea World, various college campuses, a pavilion at the 1984 Worlds Fair in New Orleans and what was at the time the largest railroad locomotive repair facility in the world. The child of immigrants from Eastern Europe who escaped to the US during the events leading up to World War 2, during his life Jack was deeply concerned with social justice and was proud to have attended historic events such as MLK’s speech in Washington DC, and he donated his time and money to many worthy causes supporting marginalized and less fortunate people in our country. In retirement Jack enjoyed traveling, landscape design, painting and cooking, especially learning new Chinese dishes.

Jack was married for over 50 years to Helen Kushner, who passed away in 2008. Part of his spirit broke the day mom died, but he was lucky enough to find love again later in life and married Diane Devitt, who passed in 2020.

My father was an incredibly kind and sensitive soul but had a very difficult time communicating his wants and needs. He showed his love and affection by sharing his art and passions with those he cared about. Dad, we didn’t always see eye to eye, and I was difficult at times, but I hope you knew how loved and appreciated you were. I love you, and will always miss you. I hope I was a good son and made you proud.

Jack is survived by his only child Kevin, daughter-in-law Britt, and his grandchildren Alex, Madison and Cassandra. Funeral services will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home Thursday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m.