Richard James Cushing (August 24, 1895 – November 2, 1970) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Boston from 1944 to 1970, and was created a cardinal in 1958. Cushing's main role was as fundraiser and builder of new churches, schools, and institutions.

Cushing was born in the South Boston, on August 24, 1895. The third of five children, he was the son of Patrick and Mary (née Dahill) Cushing.His parents were both Irish immigrants; his father was originally from Glanworth, County Cork, and his mother from Touraneena, County Waterford.His father, who came to the United States in 1880,worked as a blacksmith and earned $18 per week in the trolley repair pits of the Boston Elevated Railway.