Obituary of Arthur J. Rushton

Arthur Rushton's departure from this world on October 20, 2023, at 4:37 PM
EST was a poignant moment that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Three days earlier, at two minutes past noon, he embarked on his final
journey, surrendering peacefully to slumber until his breath and pulse
gently faded away. In the comfort of his own bed, within the walls of his
beloved home, God granted him tranquility in those sacred last moments.

In the company of his cherished family, Arthur now joins his beloved wife,
Sharon, in the embrace of eternity. He leaves behind a legacy of remarkable
talent, an enduring charisma that brightened the lives of all who crossed
his path, and a resilient spirit that prevailed even as Parkinson's disease
sought to diminish his light.

Arthur is survived by his son David, his daughter Elizabeth, and his
granddaughter Esmé, all of whom carry forward his remarkable spirit and the
enduring love that defined their family bonds.

Arthur's life was a tapestry woven across different chapters and locations.
He grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and later journeyed to Rochester,
Pennsylvania, and Rochester, New York. Despite leaving high school to
provide for his mother through factory work, destiny had other plans. It
discovered his extraordinary singing voice and his prowess with the
electric guitar. He graced the stage in the inaugural production of "Jesus
Christ Superstar," portraying multiple leading roles and inspiring crowds
of up to 50 thousand to erupt in multiple standing ovations per show. His talent
was undeniable, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who
witnessed his performances. Yet, as fate would have it, the production was
ultimately replaced, leaving Arthur unsettled by the intrusion of
legalities and the hands of interlopers.

Undeterred, he ventured into the music studio, composing and performing in
the vibrant Greenwich Village scene of the 1970s. It was there that he
encountered the love of his life, Sharon. Their union spanned nearly 38
years, a love story tragically interrupted by cancer, a cruel affliction
that has touched so many.

Arthur's talents extended far beyond the realm of music. He delved into
carpentry, guided by the wisdom of a general contractor who believed that
work and sustenance were intertwined. He pursued painting, dabbled in the
world of antiques and collectibles, and crafted primitive furniture in the
charming landscape of Southern Maine. These were just glimpses of his
multifaceted character, for Arthur was a man of many passions and talents.
He was, in every sense, a wonderful soul who left an indelible mark on
those privileged to know him. His absence is keenly felt, and his memory
lives on in our hearts.

To celebrate Arthur's life, a memorial service will be held on Monday, the
30th of 2023, at 5:30 PM Eastern Time, at the Three Gray Road North
Yarmouth Congressional Church. It will be an opportunity for all who loved
him to come together, reflect on his extraordinary journey, and bid a
heartfelt farewell to a man who will be forever missed.