William A. Bushika, 63
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - William Arthur Bushika, 63, of 26 Mohawk Forest Blvd. died Thursday, March 29, 2012, at North Adams Regional Hospital.
Born in North Adams on Dec. 29, 1948, son of Arthur and Elizabeth Jones Bushika, he attended local schools and graduated from McCann Technical School with the class of 1968.
Mr. Bushika was a hardworking union man, employed with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 98 from 1969 until his retirement in 2007. He had a passion for working on pipeline jobs throughout the Northeast and was one of the most respected operators in the union.
He was a member of the Greylock Community Club and an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was devoted to his family and especially enjoyed helping friends and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He leaves his significant other of 34 years, Brenda M. Perras; three sons, Aaron Perras of Williamstown, and Joshua Perras and William Perras, both of North Adams; three daughters, Jody Jardine and Billie Bushika, both of Savoy, and Tory Blanchard of Pittsfield; three brothers, Arthur Bushika of Plymouth, N.H., Michael Bushika of Clarksburg and Verne Bushika of North Adams; three sisters, Tina Holland of Adams, and Cheryl Rancourt and Marsha Bushika, both of North Adams; seven grandchildren, Dana, Nicole, Bob, Marley, Jacob, Rhiannon and Tanner, and nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A funeral service for Mr. Bushika will be held Friday, April 6, at 11 a.m. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Thursday, April 5, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.