MILLINOCKET – William “Bill” E. Rush, 78, went with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, with his loving family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Millinocket, the son of Everett and Margaret (Cummings) Rush.
Bill was a faithful employee of Great Northern Paper Co. for 43 years. He was a very active member of his community and church, Knights of Columbus and Millinocket Elks No. 1524. He volunteered for Cancer Supports, St. Martin’s thrift store, Knights of Columbus hall and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1957. Bill’s favorite pastimes were playing cards, picking berries and spending time with his grandchildren; and best friends, Rene and Tootsie Pelletier. Bill loved his family, home life and especially his camp on Millinocket Lake, which was his piece of heaven on Earth.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Donna (Caruso) Rush; two daughters, Janice Correira and husband, Ron, of Onset, Mass., and Sharon Rush of Fayetteville, N.C.; two sons, Bill Jr. and wife, Donna, and Peter and wife, Teresa, all of Hermon; 16 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren with two on the way; two brothers, Clayton and Everette; and two sisters, Kay McAtee and Colleen Slater. He is also survived by a very special mother-in-law, Lillian Caruso; and many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Henry; infant daughter, Karen; and infant grandchildren, Timothy and Emily.
Relatives and friends are invited for a gathering 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Millinocket, with a Mass of Christian burial 10 a.m. A graveside service will be afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., ME 04462.
William ‘Bill’ E. Rush
