Richard D. Bush

Richard D. Bush, age 77, of Clarks Summit and Factoryville, Pennsylvania, fondly known by friends and family as "Doc," "Dick," "Dad" and "Poppy," peacefully and graciously went to our Lord on June 30, 2010. Always choosing to live an active life full of adventure, he was a loving father, husband, grandfather, dentist, pilot, Rotarian, avid sportsman, naval officer, practical joker, volunteer to those in need and, most importantly, a true friend. All who knew Dick Bush have fond memories of his vibrancy, energy, giving heart and intelligence.

Born March 18, 1933, in Olyphant, Pa., the son of Arthur Valentine Bush and Geraldine Kline Bush, Dick grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. A true scholar at heart, he was a graduate of Meyers High School (1951), Wilkes College (1953) and Temple University (1957). Upon graduating from Temple Dental School, he entered the United States Navy as a dentist. During his tenure with the Navy, Dick took advantage of the opportunity to seek adventure, and traveled with his family to naval assignments in Quantico, Virginia; New London, Connecticut; Annapolis, Maryland; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He served in the ROTC and the Navy from 1950-1966, and remained in the Naval family as a Commander in the Naval Reserves until 1993. He was proud to be an Honorary Submariner on the "USS Toro."

After Dr. Bush's final active service in the Navy, he returned from Hawaii to his roots in Northeast Pennsylvania and opened his dental office in Factoryville in 1967. Forced into retirement in 2001 due to complications from Parkinson's disease, he continued to do dental consulting until 2004. If not for Parkinson's, he would no doubt have worked until he was 100, as he enjoyed the gratification that he received by helping his patients and, in particular, by working with children. He was a perfect fit for the small town of Factoryville, where he operated as a "country dentist" for decades. Doc was often called the "Tooth Fairy" by his patients, and he truly believed he could help fix the world's conflicts one tooth at a time.

A devoted member of the Abington Rotary since 1972, he believed in "Service above Self" by helping those in need. Dick's life was guided by the following philosophy he often quoted: "If you want to be happy for an hour, take a walk; If you want to be happy for an afternoon, go fishing; If you want to be happy for a year, take a world tour; If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, do something good for others." Dick found the connection to reach out and help others by joining the "Rotary Volunteers in Action" program under which he provided dental services to those in need throughout the world. From 1980-1998, Dr. Bush donated his dental skills one month each year, traveling worldwide to serve the needy in Kowloon, Hong -Kong, Guatemala, Kenya, and in his favorite location, Montego Bay, Jamaica. When asked why he enjoyed helping others, his response was simple: "It helps recipients. ...it's amazing how much it helps you. You certainly receive more than you give." Dr. Bush truly treasured his involvement with the Abington Rotary, and would be proud that his family and friends in the Rotary continue to support the community by promoting "Service above Self."

Dr. Bush was the founder of the Rotary-sponsored Independence Day fireworks festivities at the Abington Heights Middle School. By creating a happy and celebratory event for the community, this enabled Dick to spend more time with children, whom he enjoyed immensely.

In 1985, Dick Bush helped organize a community collection for the benefit of the Salvation Army. Dick loved playing Santa Claus for this cause, and was often seen in costume standing on State Street in Clarks Summit ringing the collection bell. In 1995, the Scranton Salvation Army reported that the annual Christmas Campaign and contribution of the Rotary Club of the Abingtons was the largest annual donation by any services club within the United States; this program gained national recognition and the admiration of the Salvation Army. Dick was very proud to be a part of such a successful campaign.

But anyone that knew Dick knew that he also thoroughly enjoyed the lighter side of life. In 1974, he began an annual Halloween display tradition at his home in Clarks Summit, eventually requiring the recruitment of friends, family and neighbors. A once-crazy idea blossomed into a community event attended and enjoyed by hundreds. Dick loved when the young trick-or-treaters ran off with their treats of sugarless candy and gum.

Dick's favorite pastimes were flying his Cessna plane, sailing, running, biking, fly-fishing in Canada and catching the "big one," cheating at basketball games, getting a "hole-in-one" at the Scranton Canoe Club and ordering half a scoop of chocolate and butter pecan ice cream at Manning's. Dick's life as a loving and caring father, friend, volunteer, thrill-seeker and role model will be sorely missed by many.

In his final years, he resided in Mechanicsburg in the care of friends, family and compassionate caregivers. Richard Bush is survived by a loving, adoring and very fortunate family, including wife, Roberta L. Bush (Clarks Summit); four loving daughters, including Dorothy K. Keene and husband Terry (Mechanicsburg), Donna S. Wyatt and husband Gordon (Atlanta, GA), Kimberly L. O'Connor and husband Mark (Lincroft, NJ). and Jacqueline (Smack) R. Bush-Holcomb and husband Frank (Clarks Summit); and a brother, Arthur B. Bush and wife Joyce (Cherry Hill, NJ). Known as "Poppy" by his grandchildren, whom he loved and adored, he is also survived by eight successful grandchildren: Richard Keene and wife Sarah; Jennifer and Lauren Keene; Gordon Michael and Caitlin Wyatt; and Brittany, Sean and Emily O'Connor. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dick was also fortunate to have many loving and dedicated caregivers to provide for his needs. The family is grateful for the caregivers' continued support, and for the many hours spent comforting him and making his final years enjoyable.

As a lifetime donor to those seeking cures for Alzheimer's, cancer and Parkinson's disease, Dick's ultimate gift is to the Humanity Gifts Registry and the Temple Medical School. Dick hoped that his final gift would help others find a cure for Parkinson's and other diseases that take our loved ones from us much too early.

Final arrangements are being handled by his "son" Joseph Swoboda, Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 South State Street, Clarks Summit. Friends may call on the family Friday, July 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial service will be conducted at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10.

The family requests that contributions in remembrance of Dr. Richard D. Bush be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to the Alzheimer's Association .