Donald J. Bushnell Jr, 67, passed away on January 8 with his family by his side. He was a band director and music educator for many years in public and private schools in Ohio, Maine and Connecticut. More recently, he enjoyed playing the trumpet, his primary instrument, at local restaurants and senior centers. His passion for music, from classical to jazz and beyond, endured throughout his life. For several years, he worked at Simkins Industries in New Haven in the quality control and sales divisions. In retirement, he worked at the Cross Sound Ferry out of New London. An avid boater, he took great pride in earning his Master 100 ton captain’s license from the US Coast Guard. However, his fondest captaining responsibilities were those while cruising the British Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys, Casco Bay (ME), Long Island Sound and North Pond (ME) with his closest friends and family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 38 years, Lynn (Mosher); children Katie (Mike) McNutt, Hallowell, ME; Becca (Danny) Cain, Hamden, CT; and Stephen, Boston, MA.; and his sweet granddaughter, Tobin McNutt and his sweet grandson, Jackson Cain. He also leaves behind two sisters, Alicia (Paul) Larkin of East Sandwich, MA; and Janice Bushnell of Tequesta, FL.
The visiting hours will be Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT. Family and friends are invited to go directly to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT on Saturday morning at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Donald may be made to the North Pond Association, (P.O. Box 44, Smithfield, ME 04978), whose goals to protect the lake meant so much to him.
I was always so happy to see Don with that big warm grin when the Quinnipiac group arrived for their retreat in Florida..
We played golf and talked about music and teaching…and as New Englanders, the importance of staying warm!
What a nice guy…
I’ll light a candle.
We are never really gone..
I’m so sorry to hear of your sad loss, Lynn. I remember Don as enjoying life, his music, the sea and of course his loving family. I am happy we had the chance to meet him and spend some lovely dinners with both of you. I hope the years of happy memories help ease some of your loss and grief at this difficult time. Thinking of you with thoughts of love and caring.
Wendy
Lynn and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Don. Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you all are doing OK. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
Cindy
RIP old friend
Music never dies…
So very sorry for your family!
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I knew him in school and graduated with him. He was a really great guy.
Lynn, my heart goes out to you and your family. I’m thankful to have had the pleasure of meeting Don. Wishing you peace.
So sorry. My thoughts are with you, Lynn. Love to your family.
Only the good die young !
We have always though of Don and Lynn to be best of friends.
Lynn, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences on Don’s passing. Sending you and your family love and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear about Don. I use the glass that he made for me on a daily basis.
He was very thoughtful and will be missed by many.
Lynn,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss and want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Lynn, I am very sorry to hear about Dons passing. My heart felt condolences to you and all the family . Don and I were very close friends in high school. I know he will be missed. God’s speed Don, the trumpet’s are playing.