Dr. Thomas J. (Tim) Rushton, 73, former Superintendent of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, passed away Friday at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Tim was born in Wilkes-Barre on April 8, 1943 to Agnes and Thomas Rushton of Wilkes-Barre.
He graduated from Coughlin High School, where he was a three sport athlete. Tim graduated from King’s College and received his Master’s Degree and principal’s certification from the University of Scranton. He earned his doctoral degree from Temple University. Tim spent his entire professional career in the education field. He began his teaching career in New Brunswick, NJ and returned to Wilkes-Barre where he was a History and Driver Education educator at GAR and Coughlin. He was an assistant football coach at both schools and Head track and field coach at his alma mater. He entered the administrative field, serving as assistant principal at GAR and principal at Wilkes-Barre Township Junior High School. He was promoted to central administration and served many years as assistant superintendent before being appointed as superintendent. After his tenure as superintendent, he remained in education, supervising student teachers at King’s College. Dr. Rushton loved and appreciated the many students and fellow educators he came into contact with and will be remembered as a true friend of education. Tim was a lifelong member of Holy Saviour/St. Andre Besette parish and served as a Eucharistic Minister.
Dr. Rushton was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas in 1986 and Agnes in 2014. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Joanne (Baron); children, Dr. Thomas and Doreen (Gatusky), Mountaintop; Bonnie and Thomas Gregory, Shavertown; Dr. Scott and Kristen (Costigan), Media; ten grandchildren, Janelle and TJ Rushton; Dean and Lynea Gregory; and Scott, Matthew, Alexandra, Christopher, Sean, and Julia Rushton.
He is also survived by his brother Bob and sister-in-law Marianne, Mountaintop; nieces, nephews and a great nephew.
There will be no viewing hours and a private memorial service will be held for family members.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc. 255 McAlpine St. Duryea.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organization: Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123