Obituary of Joseph D. Rush

Joseph D. Rush, Jr. 88 of Atlantic City passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2020. He was born in Philadelphia on September 12, 1931, to Joseph and Jean Rush. They eventually moved to Atlantic City where Joe's lifelong love for the beach and boardwalk began. He was a football star and 1949 graduate of Atlantic City High School. Joe worked for 52 years on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol before retiring as an assistant Chief in 2000, which was a role that he forever cherished. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War, and he received his Bachelor's Degree from West Chester State in 1957. Joe obtained a Master's Degree from Arcadia University (formerly Beaver College) in Education. He taught for the Brandywine School District in Newark, Delaware for 28 years before retiring in 1985, despite his hatred for proper spelling. Throughout his life, Joe was an avid swimmer, rower and runner, participating in the New York, Boston and Philadelphia marathons. Joe could often be found on his favorite bench on the boardwalk, enjoying a nice cigar, working on his tan, and conversing with anyone and everyone who was willing. Joe was a mentor and friend to many. His generosity was boundless, as were his antics. He brought a smile to everyone, whether it was with a kind word or by being his unique and animated self. He is greatly missed, but joyfully remembered by everyone whose life he touched, none more then his family, whom he loved so much. He is preceded in death by his doting parents and survived by his wife Nancy; daughters Missy (Mark Wyatt) and Betsy; son Joe; grandchildren Christy Wyatt, Katie and Erin Rush; step grandchildren Stephen, Luke and Scout Zabinski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Joseph Rush 10:30am Saturday August 14, 2021 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church 2651 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Relatives and friends may call at the Church from 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend the day enjoying who you are! Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC/AC. (gormleyfuneralhomellc.com).