SCARBOROUGH — Donald W. Cushing Sr., 90, of Scarborough, died peacefully at his home on March 23.

Born in Franklin, New Hampshire, on Sept. 6, 1924, Cushing was the eighth son – and one of 13 children – of Patrick J. and Frances Weston Cushing.

Donald graduated from Franklin High School in 1942. After completing naval training at Purdue University, he served his country in World War II and as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He and eight of his siblings served in the war, a contribution that was recognized when his mother was honored with the privilege of christening a U.S. Navy ship.

Cushing earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1946 and his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1949. He was soon admitted to the New Hampshire bar and opened a law practice in his home town, where he would practice for over 40 years.

He married his wife, Claire, in 1952. The couple raised their family in the Catholic faith. Having grown up in a large family during the Great Depression, Cushing shared his strong work ethic, high moral standards and deep respect for others, particularly those in need. 

Cushing served the community of Franklin in many capacities. He was a president and member of the local chamber of commerce, a president and member of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Franklin Board of Education and the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee.

He also served as city solicitor of Franklin from 1954-1960 and chairman of the Franklin Democratic Committee from 1953-1960. During the 1960s, he served two terms as mayor of Franklin, and was a trustee of Franklin Savings Bank for many years.

In 1967, Cushing was appointed a judge of the New Hampshire Circuit Court, Probate Division of Merrimack County. He served 26 years until his retirement in 1993. 

Known for his dry Irish wit, Cushing loved to sing, and also enjoyed golf and fishing with friends. Above all else, he loved being with his family.

He was predeceased by his 12 siblings.

Cushing is survived by his wife of 62 years, Claire (Larkin) Cushing, of Scarborough; son, Donald W. Cushing Jr., and wife, Marie, of Ocala, Florida; daughter, Anne Breggia, and husband, John, of Scarborough; daughter, Mary Thaete, and husband, Lonn, of Meridian, Idaho; daughter, Carolyn Willard, and husband Eugene, of South Portland; and son, Paul Cushing, and wife, Carol Anne, of Marblehead, Massachusetts. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Prayers will be recited on Saturday at 9:15 a.m., in Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough.

A private burial will take place at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery, in Franklin.

Those who wish may make contributions in Cushing’s memory to the Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 U.S. Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105.

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