Donald James Kushner

Poland - Donald James Kushner, 76, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Florida. 

Don was born September 30, 1947 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late Vincent and Maxine Morlan Kushner. 

Raised in Springfield, Don was a graduate of Springfield Local High School, Class of 1965. In 1966, Don was inducted into the United States Army and served for two years and was honorably discharged with the Rank of SP5 (T) in 1968. 

Returning to Poland, Don, alongside his brother, Dennis, were the second generation of the Kushner family to own and operate Kushners Garden and Patio in Poland. The third generation allowed Don to semi-retire and enjoy wintering in Tavernier, Florida. When at home in Poland, he could be found at the office. Don was inspirational and educational holding many classes to all the new young landscapers in the area helping them on design, installation, and maintenance of their projects, as well as helping them to expand their businesses to make the Mahoning Valley a more beautiful place to live.   

Don's early Boy Scout days helped to develop his love of adventure and the outdoors. Don enjoyed the sport of snow skiing and with his wife, Betty, spent many years organizing and chaperoning hundreds of Poland High School Ski Club students to Peek'n Peak. In Florida, he spent his time boating, deep sea fishing, and in earlier years, scuba diving. Don spent 20 plus years dedicated to beautifying the Florida Keys at Ocean Pointe, as well as serving as President of the HOA Board. He traveled out west for Big Game hunting with his brother, Dennis. Don, then traveled the country looking for rocks and new materials to bring to the Valley to expand his business in areas where other people did not offer to the public. Don loved traveling and his last trip he spent two months extensively touring China, Thailand, and the Philippines.

He leaves to carry on his legacy, his wife, the former Elizabeth Priscaro, whom he married June 16, 1967; three sons, Vincent (fiancé Barbie Dull) Kushner of New Middletown, Michael (Mary) Kushner, and Randall (fiancé Sarah Kelty) Kushner all of Poland; sister, Holly Kushner also of Poland; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kushner of New Middletown; and eleven grandchildren, Kara, Mikey, Kevin, Tommy, Ashlynn, Kristina, Jackson, Dylan, Chase, Cori, and Caleb.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Maxine (Bill) LeRoy; and brother, Dennis Kushner.

Don's family will receive friends Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. and Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. A funeral service will follow Thursday, at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon Paul Lisko officiating. Interment will follow at the Poland Riverside Cemetery, in Poland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the American Heart Association.