Published November 29, 2019
MELROSE — John Lincoln Bushee, 85, born May 18, 1934, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Melrose and the youngest of 15 children, born to the late Charles and Emma Bushee. He had unconditional love for his wife Rita of 57 years, their five daughters, 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
John loved skating, skiing, music, dancing, singing, vacationing and spending quality time with his family. He loved all his grandchildren – he especially enjoyed watching games, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles or just being around everyone. He also loved watching the Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox.
John graduated from Melrose High School and later served in the Army during the Korean War. In 1999, John proudly retired from his role as the Captain of the Melrose Fire Department. He is survived by his wife Rita (Sullivan) Bushee, his daughters – Karen Savage and her husband Robert, Joan Lambert and her husband James, Susan Shreenan and her husband Eddie, Jan DeFelice and her husband George and Judy Bushee. Also survived by his grandchildren Erin, John, Megan, Ryan, Michael, Scott, Katie, Molly, Thomas, Eric, Julie, Brian, Cole, Adam, Cody and Devlin. He was the loving brother of the late Wilfred, Ernest, Freeman, Raymond, Joseph, Thomas, Irma, Arthur, Robert, George, Frankie, Barbara, Louise and Eddie.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Tuesday, November 26. Interment with military honors followed the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place. Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
