Norman J. Rushford

Norman J. Rushford Orange – Norman J. Rushford, 74, of 37 West Myrtle Street died Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Athol Hospital.      Norman was born in Gardner, MA, December 25, 1939, the son of Norman H. and Marion P. (Hager) Rushford.  He grew up in the Athol and Orange area where he has lived all of his life, graduating from Athol High School in 1957.        He worked at the L.S. Starrett Company for over 30 years, retiring in 2005.  He had previously worked several construction jobs in New England including the Northfield Mountain Project.   He and his wife were active members of the Astronomer’s Club, he enjoyed watching NASCAR and old TV shows.        He leaves his wife of 47 years, Patricia J. (Teague) Rushford; two sons, Chris Rushford and his wife Lorraine of Orange and Randy Rushford and his fiancée Carmen of Ware; a daughter, Dianna Deveneau and her friend Craig Stoddard of Athol; a step-son, Gary Teague and his wife Lynn of Royalston; two brothers, Deane Rushford and Clay Rushford and his wife Melissa, both of Orange; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a sister, Donna Ruth.      At Norman’s request no formal funeral services are planned and burial will be in Tully Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made in Norman’s name to:  the Athol Animal Shelter, for animal care, c/o Athol Police Dept., 280 Exchange St., Athol, MA  01331.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol  is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });