Carroll E. Rushford

ATHOL - Carroll “Sonny” Rushford, longtime resident of Athol, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA, at the age of 78. Sonny was born on September 16th, 1938 in Richford, Vermont to the late Harold and Arcelia (Degree) Rushford. He graduated from Athol High School, class of 1956. Sonny married his high school sweetheart, Janice Ann (Schmidt) Rushford on Jan. 27, 1962. They were married for 55 years. Sonny was a devoted family man who cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. He always loved working with his hands and took tremendous pride in his work. He enjoyed traveling with Janice to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Old Orchard Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Naples, Florida. He especially loved riding his motorcycle on the roads of New England with friends and family. We will forever miss him. He was employed at the N.D. Cass Company for 25 years and the L.S. Starrett Company until his retirement in July 2004. Sonny was a veteran for the Army National Guard from 1960-1966. He is survived by his wife: Janice; their three children: Scott Rushford and wife Lisa Jane Rushford of Naples, Florida, Sherry Prato and husband Joe Prato of Orange, Shelley Robertson and husband Jordy Robertson of Phillipston; brothers-in-law Leo Godin of Athol and Walter Lumbra of Johnson, Vermont. Sonny was a devoted and loving grandfather to Laura Eileen Rushford, Ryan M. Dery, Kevin M. Dery, Sarah Ann Robertson, and Emily J. Robertson. Sonny was pre-deceased by his four siblings, Rosanna Godin, Shirley Lumbra, Richard Rushford, and Susan Kennison. Relatives and Friends will gather in honor of Sonny’s life during visiting hours on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 from 4-7pm at the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA 01364. Private interment to follow. Gifts in memory of Sonny may be made to Athol Memorial Hospital "Fulfilling Our Promise" Campaign, c/o Heywood Healthcare Philanthropy Office, 242 Green St., Gardner, MA 01440. To send an online condolence or to view the guest book, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange is directing arrangements.