Donald M. Russell

It is hard to believe that Coach Russell is no longer with us. He was a wonderful man and was a positive influence on my life and the lives of all the young men who had the privilege to be coached by him. He might be gone but his memory lives on through his family and all the players from his teams.

Don was a community asset while at Wesleyan. Wherever he served he served well and made a meaningful contribution. It was a joy to have him as United Way campaign chair and work on Rotary projects with him. He is remembered very fondly. Blessings on all who mourn his loss.

Don was a community asset while at Wesleyan. Wherever he served he served well and made a meaningful contribution. It was a joy to have him as United Way campaign chair and work on Rotary projects with him. He is remembered very fondly. Blessings on all who mourn his loss.

My most sincere condolences go to the family of Don Russell. Don was a great coach- his record speaks for itself. In addition he was a very active and highly effective participant in Middletown politics serving on various Boards and Committees and including the Common Council. Don Russell was smart and hardworking as a Councilman. His participation at the Council meetings benefited everyone in the community. He worked with his good friends Anthony Sbona, Vincent Amato, Norm Daniels, Willard...

I played Wesleyan football for Don Russell from 1968 through 1970, as well as Freshman baseball in 1968. To this day, it's hard for me to think of him as anything besides 'Coach Russell'...but as many of my teammates have observed, he was so much more. Along with my parents and one or two others, he was one of the people who had the profoundest positive influence on my life, and I'm grateful I got to tell him (and Joyce) just that before we lost him. Don't mind saying...I'm having a hard time...

r i p good man

Coach Russell was a wonderful mentor to many young men. I had the privilege of playing Wesleyan Football for him from 1967 through 1969. He was admired and respected by his players and his colleagues. Our sincere sympathy goes out to his wife, Joyce and all the Russell family.
Sincerely,

Charlie and Leslie Holbrook

Joyce, I’m so sorry for your loss! I knew Don as a quiet gentleman, having a wealth of knowledge and always a competitive sportsman. You have my condolences and deepest sympathy!