Thomas Bush Obituary

Thomas "Tom" Harold Bush, 82, of Oro Valley, Arizona, went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2025, after a life of profound personal and professional impact. Born on July 26, 1942, in Rahway, New Jersey to Anthony and Frances Bush with a genetic disability, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, he led a life of strength and determination. Tom earned an engineering degree from Rutgers University in 1964 and dedicated over 30 years working for the state of New Jersey in public service, including serving as the director of the Office of Disabilities Management and director of Division of Building and Construction. He also played a key role implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act in New Jersey. Before leaving New Jersey Tom was awarded the N.J. Society of Public Administration Achievement Award for outstanding accomplishment in program development and problem resolution. After moving to Arizona, Tom continued his advocacy through a 10-year career with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) National Headquarters, where he developed, operated and managed MDA's national website. Tom served on many community organizations promoting awareness with people with disabilities. He served on the Oro Valley task force that created accessible transportation (Coyote Run). He was a founding member and served on the board of directors of Linkages (organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities in finding employment). In addition, he was a commissioner on the City of Tucson Disability Issues Commissions, vice president of the Architectural Barriers League, a member of the University of Arizona ADA Assessment Team and a member of the statewide planning committee for Arizona's assistive technology grant program. In retirement he continued to serve on several community committees and was as an elder at his church. He has made several appearances on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day telethon. He was the recipient of the MDA's 2009 Robert Ross National Personal Achievement Award. Tom was a sociable and gregarious man, known for his warm laugh, quick wit, faith, and love of good food, wine, history and conversation. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he brought a welcoming presence to every gathering. Despite his physical limitations he lived a highly inspiring life with a desire to make positive, productive contributions to society. Tom and his wife have overcome many challenges together through innovation, willingness to change, humor, and persistent determination. Tom is survived by his devoted and caring wife of 56 years, Tina Bush; his brother Edward (Maureen); his children John (Heather) and Melissa (Stephen); eight grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, his daughter Laura (Mike) and two grandchildren. Tom's legacy was to live life to the fullest with gratitude and joy! He will be remembered for his leadership, resilience, faith and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. The celebration of life service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene. 500 W. Calle Concordia RSVP to join the family in person: https://myovcn.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3049844 Can't join the family in person, watch via the live stream link below (10:00 AM Arizona/1:00 PM EST) https://ovcn.church/watch-live/ In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cure SMA, curesma.org, in Tom's memory.