NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Francis R. Bush Jr., 78, of Bridge Street died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, from complications related to a respiratory infection.

Born in Adams on July 24, 1937, to Francis and Ruth Russell Bush, he was a 1955 graduate of the former Williamstown High School.

Mr. Bush found his niche in the construction world, beginning his own well-respected business, Bush Construction, in 1960. He was a contractor for construction of The Spruces Mobile Home Park in Williamstown and, in 1967, developer of Franklin Court Apartments, the first luxury apartments in North Adams. In 1970, he co-developed Wheel Estates Mobile Home Park and was general manager of market trends.

After working for Henry Hart Construction Co. in 1977, he continued his career as highway and landfill superintendent for the town of Williamstown, retiring in 1999. During that time, he oversaw the design and construction of the new town garage at its present location.

He was a member of the board of directors for Housing Now and the Massachusetts Water Works Association, vice president of the Berkshire County Highway Superintendent Association and a member of the Berkshire County Deputy Sheriffs Association.

First appointed by Mayor Joseph Bianco to the North Adams Planning Board in 1973, he was recognized as one of its longest serving members, resigning in 1993. He also was a charter of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department since 1952.

He was a man with a heart so full of love that he needed a second. For more than 22 years, Mr. Bush was blessed with the second chance he received from a heart transplant at Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital during the blizzard of 1993.

Affectionately called "Papa" by his grandchildren, he would always been seen supporting their activities on the ice, field, court and track as well as their academic achievements.

He loved helping his neighbors, tending his horses, cutting wood, haying and all things pertaining to the earth.

He and his wife, the former Marlene Starr, were married in the former St. Francis Church on June 27,1959.

Besides his wife of 56 years, he leaves his three daughters and their husbands, Deborah and Greg Cirullo of Clarksburg, and Suzanne and Timothy Koperek, Michele and Ed Rondeau, all of North Adams; a sister, Sandra Derby of Hancock; his seven grandchildren, Christopher Francis and Katlin Starr Cirullo, Olivia Starr, Celene Marie and Yvonne Lee Koperek, Caleb Edward and Mason Thomas Rondeau, who could often be heard saying "Papa will fix it."

His Fourth of July parties brought much joy to him while visiting with his niece who was like a daughter, Judith Starr Rose, of Plattsburg, N.Y., and her loving family, as well as extended family and friends.

FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mr. Bush will be Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10:15 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Monday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Donations could be made to PopCares or Brigham & Women's Hospital Cardiac Transplant program, through the funeral home.

The family wishes all to consider registering as an organ donor, to give the most precious gift, life.