Claremont, N.H. —
Mr. Rushmore was born June 14, 1920, in Clarks Green, Pa., son of the John Edward and Mabel (Henry) Rushmore. He was raised and went to school in the same area, and spent his summers in Henryville, Pa. After graduating from Clarks Summit High School, he went to Braden Preparatory School in N.Y. He then went on to Duke University, and met Julianna Davis (his future bride) while touring with the university glee club. His schooling was interrupted by his call to serve his country. In 1941, John Rushmore joined the U.S. Air Corps, and became a P47 pilot during WWII, where he eventually attained the rank of Captain. While he was in the service, he married Julianna Davis (of Freeport, N.Y.) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sept. 4, 1943.After the war, he left the service and completed his bachelor’s degree at New York University.
John raised a family and pursued a rewarding business career in sales, sales management, consulting, and lecturing, while traveling extensively. He wrote numerous articles and several books, the last of which, “The Seven Secrets of Selling” can still be found in the local Fiske Free Library. John was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and was active in a variety of civic activities. He was also very devoted to his family.
After retiring, he and his wife moved to Claremont, to be closer to their daughter, Virginia and her family. John was active in Trinity Episcopal Church, both as a member of the vestry, finance committee and the church choir. In addition to being an accomplished pianist, he was a member of the Area Choir during the Christmas season for 12 years. John earned his Amateur Radio License, enjoyed target shooting, golf and playing bridge. John was also very active in the community, soliciting donations for the Valley Regional Hospital. He spent much of his time volunteering at the hospital and several nursing homes, probably best known for entertaining others, playing his harmonica.
He is survived by his son, Dean F. Rushmore and his wife, Penelope, of Marysville, Ohio, and his daughter, Virginia (Ginny) R. Formidoni and her husband, Roger Formidoni, both of Claremont. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Philip Rushmore, Lindsey Rushmore, John Rushmore, Margaret (Formidoni) Takes and her husband, Art; Daniel Formidoni and his wife, Sarah; Julie (Formidoni) Carbone and her husband, Andrew, and three great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held at Stringer Funeral Home, Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A memorial service for the family and friends will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Broad St., Claremont on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Trinity Episcopal Church of Claremont.
Arrangements are with the Stringer Funeral Home & Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont.
To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.