John A. Rushton, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 19th, followed by his beloved wife, Jean, who passed just two weeks later. Their love and devotion to one another endured in life and beyond.
John dedicated 33 years to the Boston Fire Department, bravely serving the community where he was born and raised. He was deeply committed to supporting firefighters and their families, ensuring their well-being both on and off duty.
In addition to his firefighting career, John worked for over 40 years as an usher at the Boston Garden, now TD Garden. He enjoyed working while watching the Boston Celtics or Boston Bruins play, as well as ushering concerts and special events. One of his most memorable experiences was meeting Elvis Presley backstage.
John and Jean retired in 2005 to Florida to be closer to their granddaughter and her son. Their family grew with the arrival of two more great-grandchildren, and later, a great-great-grandchild. John and Jean cherished their time together, especially enjoying cruising and making lasting memories with all of their grandchildren.
John and Jean are survived in Florida by their granddaughter, Leyla, along with her children, Devin, Maximus, and Willow, and their great-great-grandson, Finley Michael. They are also survived by John’s nieces and nephews: Theresa Bailey (AZ), LeeAnn Perry (NH, Goddaughter), Mark Rushton (CO), Kerri Spring (TX), and Matthew Rushton (NH). John was predeceased by his twin brother, Robert Rushton, and his parents, Florence and John Alfred Rushton Sr.
A joint memorial service will be held at a later date to honor John and Jean’s lives and bring them home to the family burial lot in Marlborough, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Boston Fire Department Relief Fund in John’s memory. Contributions can be made at https://www.bfdrelief.org/donate/.
