Robert E. Bushnell, 78, of Sterling, died at St. Vincent Hospital after an illness.

His wife, Anne (Trum) Bushnell died in 1980.  He leaves three daughters, Roberta Cormier of Sterling, Elizabeth Cusanello of West Boylston, and Mary Goodrow of Worcester; 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces.  He was born in New Milford, CT., son of Raymond and Margaret (Austin) Bushnell, and lived many years in Auburn and 21 years in Sterling. 

Mr. Bushnell was a foreman at the former Crompton & Knowles Corp., where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1975.  He also owned and operated a tool-distributing business for many years.  He was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church and a Charter member of Century Sportmen's Club in Auburn. He also ran and farm for many years which included a Champion flock of Registered Shropshire sheep.  He was a Past President of the Worcester County Sheep Breeders Association.

The funeral will be held from Fay Brothers Funeral Home, One West Boylston Street, West Boylston, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge St.  Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.  Calling hours at the funeral home are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.