Obituary of Richard E. Brush

Richard E. Brush, age 86, of Tafton, PA, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, while at his home and surrounded by his devoted family. Richard was born in 1937 to Roy and Julia (Orehoski) Brush in Jersey City, NJ. Richard was a Maintenance Engineer for a public school system in NJ and was playfully known as "Mr. Mc Broom" for freeing the school of dust bunnies and other creatures that roamed the halls. Prior to that, Richard worked for Kimberly-Clark for more than 30 years, holding several roles, including his last as a Foreman. Outside of work, Richard was a lifelong outdoorsman, avid traveler, Marine Corps Reservist, New York Yankees baseball fan, and a man gifted with the ability to fix almost anything. He enjoyed spending much of his free time on his farm in upstate NY ("The Barn") and traveling around the globe with his wife Judy – "JR"! Richard's quick wit and humor, which ranged from deadpan to silly, depending upon the occasion, was his doorway into the hearts of adults and children alike. The NY farm became Richard and Judy's second home where they enjoyed riding the lawn tractors to cut the grass, cutting and splitting firewood, riding the side-by-side and 4-wheelers with family and friends, and building bonfires. Most of all, Richard looked forward to hunting season every year, having gotten his last deer at the age of 85. Richard passed his love of the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren, many of whom had their first fishing lesson and ride on a 4-wheeler alongside "Poppy". Richard also established a close group of local friends over the years who will miss his presence greatly. Traveling the world became Richard's love during retirement, having visited 46 countries, with his two favorites being Italy, which he visited over ten times, and Greece, which he saw twice. Richard and Judy toured, cruised and explored the world making new friends while learning new cultures, local customs and history. Although there are too many to name, some of his favorite adventures included exploring Machu Picchu in Peru and the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in Italy and staying in and riding camels through the Mongolian Gobi Desert. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of over 36 years, Judy Brush, his sons and daughters and his much-treasured grandchildren. A viewing will be held at Teeter's Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA from 2 to 5pm on Monday, August 26, 2024. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated by Rev. Richard W. Beck on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10 AM at Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace Church, 314 Chestnut Ave., Hawley, PA. Per Richard 's request, he will be cremated and interred by the "Pond" on his beloved farm. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, cancer.org; Wayne Memorial Hospice, C/o Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431, wmh.org; or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 DannyThomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org.