Bushnell, Paul Frederick
Paul Frederick Bushnell, 76, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 7th, 2022. A native of Connecticut, he and his wife Debbie, had moved to be with their children in College Grove, TN for the last 4 years.
He previously lived in Coventry, CT for 27 years in the home he designed and built. Born in Manchester, CT on June 14, 1946, he was the son of F. Forbes Bushnell, DVM and Dorothy (Warner) Bushnell. A carpenter by trade, Paul had his own business while also working at The Institute of Living/Hartford Healthcare for 35 years until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife Debbie, along with his 4 legged furbaby best friends Charlie & Zoey (who helped him cross over) of College Grove, TN; son Justin Bushnell & his wife Amanda Sparks-Bushnell, MD of College Grove, TN; daughter Amy Smith of Murfreesboro, TN; brotherin-law Roger Hamel & his wife Angela of Huntington Beach, CA; 6 grandchildren Blaine & Mimi Bushnell; Austin & his wife Jullie, Alyssa, Paul & Ellie Smith; and a great-granddaughter Emory Smith. He also leaves nephews & nieces Andrew, Susan, Linda, Michael & Peter Bushnell, Ashley & Roger Hamel. Along with his parents, Paul was predeceased by 3 brothers & their wives: Richard Bushnell, DVM & his wife Mary Jane; David Bushnell & his wife Nijole; Peter Bushnell & his wife Carol; son-in-law Joe Smith; and nieces Debbie & Vicky Bushnell. Paul will be deeply missed by best friends Nick Marziale of South Windsor, CT as well as Jimmy & Nancy Sirianni of North Stonington, CT.
Paul was a man of action who preferred to show his care of others by deeds. He never turned down the opportunity to help, plowing countless driveways for family and friends. He loved fixing cars, long walks with his dogs, yard work, and building and repairing anything (dollhouses, bird houses, a cradle for his son's children, etc.). His sense of humor was legendary.
Debbie would like to thank Avalon Hospice Franklin, TN for all the care Paul was given over the last 10 months. Everyone there was so WONDERFUL to Paul & Debbie. Thank you also to Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia TN who started Paul's journey back to CT, they couldn't have been kinder. Relatives & friends are welcome to join the family on Saturday, October 29, 2022 for calling hours 9am to 11am at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester followed by burial at 11:30am at East Cemetery with a reception at noon celebrating Paul's life. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Alzheimer's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950. To visit Paul's tribute page or leave an online condolence, please visit holmeswatkins.com.
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