Obituary for Arthur H. Bush
Arthur H. Bush left us peacefully on March 17th, 2020 for the open arms, and long-awaited hug from his beloved wife, Margaret “Peg” Bush (Murphy). Art was surrounded by his five loving children, spouses, eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild who are so dear to him. The spirit was high and love was deep. Clearly St. Patrick had a hand in this transition, leaving us with the faith that he is in good hands and laughter abounds.
Born September 21st, 1932 in Medford, MA to John J. Bush and Theresa McCarthy Bush. Arthur, Art was the most kind, caring, and generous man many have ever known. He always made you feel special and had a gift for listening and understanding that will be missed by many. Always thinking of others, he volunteered and contributed his efforts with organizations such as Walk for Hunger, the Pine Street Inn, the Fernald School, and the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Art grew up in Medford, MA, he was the oldest of four children. Jack, Mary Jane, and Patricia were his younger siblings to which he was often tasked with caring for. This is where he developed his patient, nurturing and kind spirit.
Art attended St Joseph’s school in Medford where he was a drummer in the marching band and Malden Catholic High School. He went on to attend Boston College, served 2 years in the Army, and returned home to get his masters degree in Education. He was married to Margaret on April 19th 1958. They started a family with three boys in three years. Soon after graduation they moved to central Mass where the boys, Steven, Edward, and Gary could enjoy more open space. The family grew with the addition of two daughters Julie and Jennifer who were always very dear to their father. In 1971 Art accepted a job as an elementary school principal at the Kendall School in Belmont MA; coincidentally the school Peg had attended as a child.
Moving the family and settling in Arlington, Art continued on a long and successful career in the Belmont Public Schools as the leader of both the Kendall School until its close in 1981 and the Mary Lee Burbank School where he helped support and oversee the school renovation. Art retired in 1994. The years in Arlington and the lifelong friends he found in his neighbors helped build a full and loving life with friends and family. He was often seen biking through the streets of Arlington and Belmont on his daily commute to work.
Arthur’s grandfather had a love for Cape Cod and instilled that in Art. He spent his childhood on the shores of West Harwich. During his young teens and during college, Arthur worked at the famous Belmont Hotel. It was here, at the mouth of Herring River where he met the love of his life, Margaret Murphy. Art and Peg continued their summers on the shores of Cape Cod in Dennis Port, sharing their love of the ocean with their children and grandchildren. Arthur looked forward to the summer season each year and would prepare a game plan for his gardens far before the snow was gone. Content he was, watching the garden with his morning coffee and favorite book.
Art celebrated life’s beauty in his appreciation for the natural world, music and the arts. He loved poetry, all genres of music and deep philosophical discussion. Art was very well read, with an incredible vocabulary. He could converse with anyone, and often amazed us at the breadth of his knowledge. His collection of books and music was endless. Art always had several books he was reading at the same time and was more than happy to share the stories. An avid hiker and beach comber, Art was inspired by Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Beston, and Edward Rowe Snow. He hiked the beautiful White mountains, walked the shores of Walden Pond, the National Seashore of Cape Cod, the Boston Harbor Islands, and keeps a sketch of the “Outermost House” on his wall. These readings, and experiences helped shape him as an adventurer at heart.
Art is adored by his eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. They lovingly call him papa and carry on his legacy with their passion for the outdoors, talent in athletics, love for music, and joy in the arts. He was, and always will be, the glue that holds our family together and we will honor his amazing life forever. He leaves us all with much love and many lasting memories.
His final year was spent living at Bridges by Epoch in Andover where he was supported, loved, and cared for by their entire team of loving staff.
We will miss you Papa.
At this time the Funeral Mass and burial will be private. However, we are looking forward to a full service and celebration of Art’s life at an appropriate time in the future.
Born September 21st, 1932 in Medford, MA to John J. Bush and Theresa McCarthy Bush. Arthur, Art was the most kind, caring, and generous man many have ever known. He always made you feel special and had a gift for listening and understanding that will be missed by many. Always thinking of others, he volunteered and contributed his efforts with organizations such as Walk for Hunger, the Pine Street Inn, the Fernald School, and the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Art grew up in Medford, MA, he was the oldest of four children. Jack, Mary Jane, and Patricia were his younger siblings to which he was often tasked with caring for. This is where he developed his patient, nurturing and kind spirit.
Art attended St Joseph’s school in Medford where he was a drummer in the marching band and Malden Catholic High School. He went on to attend Boston College, served 2 years in the Army, and returned home to get his masters degree in Education. He was married to Margaret on April 19th 1958. They started a family with three boys in three years. Soon after graduation they moved to central Mass where the boys, Steven, Edward, and Gary could enjoy more open space. The family grew with the addition of two daughters Julie and Jennifer who were always very dear to their father. In 1971 Art accepted a job as an elementary school principal at the Kendall School in Belmont MA; coincidentally the school Peg had attended as a child.
Moving the family and settling in Arlington, Art continued on a long and successful career in the Belmont Public Schools as the leader of both the Kendall School until its close in 1981 and the Mary Lee Burbank School where he helped support and oversee the school renovation. Art retired in 1994. The years in Arlington and the lifelong friends he found in his neighbors helped build a full and loving life with friends and family. He was often seen biking through the streets of Arlington and Belmont on his daily commute to work.
Arthur’s grandfather had a love for Cape Cod and instilled that in Art. He spent his childhood on the shores of West Harwich. During his young teens and during college, Arthur worked at the famous Belmont Hotel. It was here, at the mouth of Herring River where he met the love of his life, Margaret Murphy. Art and Peg continued their summers on the shores of Cape Cod in Dennis Port, sharing their love of the ocean with their children and grandchildren. Arthur looked forward to the summer season each year and would prepare a game plan for his gardens far before the snow was gone. Content he was, watching the garden with his morning coffee and favorite book.
Art celebrated life’s beauty in his appreciation for the natural world, music and the arts. He loved poetry, all genres of music and deep philosophical discussion. Art was very well read, with an incredible vocabulary. He could converse with anyone, and often amazed us at the breadth of his knowledge. His collection of books and music was endless. Art always had several books he was reading at the same time and was more than happy to share the stories. An avid hiker and beach comber, Art was inspired by Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Beston, and Edward Rowe Snow. He hiked the beautiful White mountains, walked the shores of Walden Pond, the National Seashore of Cape Cod, the Boston Harbor Islands, and keeps a sketch of the “Outermost House” on his wall. These readings, and experiences helped shape him as an adventurer at heart.
Art is adored by his eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. They lovingly call him papa and carry on his legacy with their passion for the outdoors, talent in athletics, love for music, and joy in the arts. He was, and always will be, the glue that holds our family together and we will honor his amazing life forever. He leaves us all with much love and many lasting memories.
His final year was spent living at Bridges by Epoch in Andover where he was supported, loved, and cared for by their entire team of loving staff.
We will miss you Papa.
At this time the Funeral Mass and burial will be private. However, we are looking forward to a full service and celebration of Art’s life at an appropriate time in the future.