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Obituary: Frederick “Fred” L. Pushard Sr.

Longtime Gardiner Resident Dies at 96

GARDINER, Maine – Frederick “Fred” L. Pushard Sr., a lifelong resident of Gardiner, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Clover Manor in Auburn. He was 96 years old.

Fred was born in Gardiner on March 20, 1928, to Oscar and Marion (Spencer) Pushard. He attended Gardiner schools and graduated from Gardiner High School in 1946. After graduation, Fred worked at a variety of jobs before starting his own business, Fred’s Cash Market, in 1956. He owned and operated the store for 45 years, providing groceries and other necessities to the Gardiner community.

In addition to his work at the market, Fred was also active in his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Gardiner Fire Department for many years, and he was also a member of the Gardiner Police Department Auxiliary. Fred was a lifelong member of the Gardiner Lions Club, and he served as president of the club in 1972-1973. He was also a member of the Gardiner Elks Lodge and the Gardiner VFW Post.

Fred was a devoted family man. He married Cora Trask in 1948, and they had six children together. Fred and Cora raised their family in Gardiner, and they were active members of the community. Fred was a loving husband and father, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Fred is survived by his six children: Frederica Pushard Shorey, Kenneth Trask, Corena Anderson, Frederick Pushard Jr., Dolores McKenzie, and Linda Pushard. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Fred was predeceased by his wife, Cora, in 2016.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave. in Gardiner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 134 Maple St. in Gardiner. Burial will follow in the Litchfield Plains Cemetery in Litchfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, Maine 04074.

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