Donald P. Bushy

Donald Paul Bushy, 69, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2023 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife and sister by his bedside. Don is a 1971 graduate of Bristol Eastern High School. He lived in Orlando for several years where his children, Daryl and Christine spent their early years. He moved back to Bristol in 1987 and in 1991, he met his wife Vivian (DonAroma) and they married in1994. They eventually settled in Don’s hometown of Bristol amongst dear friends. Their home away from home was a special place they called paradise. It was here in Aruba, where they vacationed for more than 20 years, that they found peace and contentment while creating loving memories. Don was a dedicated sports fan, particularly of the Yankees, Giants and UConn Basketball and Football teams. However, his biggest passion was golf. He was a member of the Pequabuck Golf Club, where he developed many friendships. As an avid golfer, Don took advantage of every opportunity to play. He entered numerous tournaments, many of which he won. He was most proud on that day when he scored his first hole in one. During Don’s final days, it was those very friends on the golf course that visited Don to recount those memories that brought him so much happiness. Though golfing was integral to Don’s daily activities, it was his longtime friend Dennis who stood by his side over the past 50 years, sharing the same interests in sports and being part of his family life. Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. He continued to live his life to the fullest, fighting his disease every step of the way. Many people were unaware that he had cancer and that was exactly how he wanted it. In the last two years of his life, the cancer spread and the fight became more of a challenge. He never once let his diagnosis keep him from the activities and people that he loved. Spending time with his beloved grandson, playing golf with friends and being in the company of those closest to him, was something he held onto until the very end. Don selflessly gave support to his family, friends, and all that were blessed to know him. He was loved by so many people whose lives he touched and made everyone feel special and included in each and every activity he was involved in. Besides his loving wife Vivian, he leaves his son Daryl Bushy of Brookfield and his daughter Christine Bushy of Bristol, his precious grandson Andrew Johnston, and his sister and brother-in-law Jane (Snow) and Rick Martin of Center Harbor, New Hampshire, along with so many friends on and off the golf course. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Corinne Bushy, and his brother Bob Bushy. We’d like to extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Jeffrey Kamradt and his entire staff at Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, Beatrice and Stephanie from the Hartford Hospital Transfusion Center, and Iris Simon from Hospice. They all went above and beyond our expectations in making Don's final days comforting along with a caring concern for his well-being. 

Don’s Celebration of Life will be this Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 4 to 7 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol, who has the honor of serving the Bushy Family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Luna Foundation of Aruba, a small group of inspirational volunteers, dedicated to changing the lives of Aruba's street dogs and strays. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CN8X662U2G3UU. To leave an online condolence or to view a remembrance video go to Don’s memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

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