Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Lawless Cushman of Worthington MA passed on to be with his Lord on October 8, 2023, at the age of 97. Robert was a man highly respected in his spheres of influence, known particularly as a hard-working man who loved his family, served his community, and left a legacy of love for wildlife and nature. Robert aka "Bob" was born in Greenfield, MA on April 8, 1926, the youngest son of Burt and Alice Cushman. He was adored by his 3 pre-deceased siblings, Jack, Corky, and Lee, and their children; and his extended family also included his life-long best friend Ernie Hatter, Stamford CT. Bob was an avid learner known for his tremendous memory for names and places, who enjoyed poetry, cooking, gardening, and building projects with wood. His formal education included Springfield Technical High School, Monson Academy, American International College, and Bartlett Tree School for his professional training as an Arborist. He developed that skill to become an expert tree surgeon and conservationist. In 1950, Bob married Carol Evelyn Stuart (pre-deceased) of Stamford CT, lived in Springfield and East Longmeadow MA, and became the father of 7 children. Bob cherished his children and had special relationships with their spouses and grandchildren. Sandra (and Stuart) Gittleman, Cornelius NC (Shira, Isaac, Daniel) Robbie S. (pre-deceased) Pamela (and Gary) Standing, Springfield MA (Michael) Connie Lieberwirth Villeneuve (pre-deceased) (Jill, Andrew, Taylor, Rachel) Mary-Alice (and Roger) Dager, Springfield MA (Grace) Tracey (and Rich) Walz, Brewster MA (Jamison, Joseph, Andrew) Scott (and Laura) Cushman, East Longmeadow MA (Zachary, Hannah) Professionally Bob worked for the Springfield Parks Department, founded his own R. L. Cushman Tree Company, and provided leadership for the MassMutual Grounds Service for 30 years. Several trees were planted and nurtured by Bob, adorning the Pioneer Valley and beyond. In 1992, Bob married Carol Ann Sheret of Hampden MA, blending his family with her family of three daughters, who he loved as his own. Ginger Kairys, Westfield MA (Melissa, Jenny) Bonnie Charpentier (and Paul), Huntington MA (Krystle, Paul) Wendy (and Chris) Nardacci, Anaconda MT (Nichole, Amber) Together, Bob and Carol Ann built an incredibly beautiful life together. They fulfilled their dream of designing and building a home in Worthington which they fondly called "a piece of heaven on earth" …a destination for family and friends and a wildlife refuge, which offered hospitality and love to all. FAMILY was Bob and Carol Ann's number one priority. They loved spending time with their children and spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and provided several opportunities to experience life from whale watches, hayrides, craft fairs, and many life celebrations. Together, Bob and Carol Ann shared 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Though Bob and Carol Ann shared a large family there were no boundaries to whom they would embrace and take as their own, especially their adopted grandson, Terence Fowler. This "spirit of adoption" was the hallmark of their lives together, a legacy they inspired.
Throughout his life Bob loved sports. As a young man he excelled playing football and basketball. When he became a father, he transitioned to coaching recreational league basketball, football, and girls' softball. Bob was a much beloved coach and mentor. Bob had an innate gift to see someone's capacity and encouraged their potential earning him the endearing title of "Coach." He was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and college teams. Bob was a faithful and active church member, laying a foundation of Christian faith for his children when they were young, and most recently served the community of Worthington and Worthington Congregational Church. His faith-in-action was caring for and serving others. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Farkas who for several decades attended to Bob's health and wellness, extending his life, and became a dear friend. Also, special thanks to Mercy Medical Center and its staff for providing stellar care. ]]>
Robert N Spiess (1938-2023), 85, passed away Tuesday September 26th peacefully with his family by his side. Bob was born May 7, 1938. A lifelong resident of Worthington, Bob married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart, Judith (Diamond) Spiess on October 15, 1960.

He is survived by his sister Patricia Lampro of Hinsdale Ma, his wife Judith and their daughter Shawn Macutkiewicz of Worthington, their son Mark Spiess and wife Amanda of Worthington.His grandchildren Jillian Trujillo and husband Rich of Florida, Zachary Macutkiewcz and wife Anastasia of North Brookfield, Michala Torres of Worthington, Amber Spiess of Chesterfield and Nicholas Spiess of South Carolina. He also leaves his seven great-grandchildren Audriana, Mia, Elliott, Jameson, Clarke, Emery, and Raelynn.

Bob served in the Navy as a Maintenance man in the engine room aboard the USS Borie from 1958-1962. He worked for N&B Express out of South Deerfield for 32 years. He was an extraordinarily talented driver often being praised for his expert skills on the tiny streets of Boston.He will be remembered by his family and friends for his witty sense of humor and always helping hand. He was noted for his dancing skills, those of which his grandchildren hoped they didn't inherit. Bob loved the outdoors and hunting, teaching many of his family his skills in the woods. His pride and joy was his 1930 Model A "Gloria", he could be seen and heard driving around town with Judy at his side.]]> Black and white photograph showing little vegetation of Rose Briar under construction. 'W. G. Ball's home being built, now Rose Briar' on Ridge Road north of 8th fairway on golf course.]]>
She married Ralph B. Sherman on January 29th, 1960. They lived on their family farm in Worthington where they raised their 3 children.

Rose had several jobs throughout the years Pro Brush, Albert Farms, drove School Bus, Ashmere Nursing Home, Swift River Academy.

Rose grew up loving horses - loved competing in local gymkhanas & horse shows at the local fairs.

Her happiest times were fair season where she participated in any way she was needed, especially announcing for the Horse & Ox draws at the local fairs.

Rose was involved with the Cummington Fair for 42 years, first as secretary starting in 1982 and later as a Fair Director. In November 2014 Rose was inducted to the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association 2014 Hall of Fame.

She is predeceased by her late husband Ralph B. Sherman, her mother Mary E. Brooks and sister Ginger Donovan & her faithful dog and companion of 15 years Chloe. She is survived by her three children Terry R. Malloy, Wendy S. Sherman (Terry Corbett), Dale L. Sherman (Mary Bourdon) & grandson Joshua Culver and her sisters Elizabeth Parish & Deen Nugent and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration Of Rose's Life will be held in the spring at the Cummington Fairgrounds on May 18th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Donations in her memory may be made to: Hillside Agricultural Scholarship ? Sandy Lilly P.O. Box 3004, Ashfield, MA 01030.
Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Feb. 22, 2024.]]>