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Russell McCreven Obituary
January 14, 1939 ~ October 18, 2025
Russell James McCreven, 86, of West Haven, CT, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with Parkinson's, surrounded by love, on October 18, 2025. Born on January 14, 1939, he was a son of Edward J. McCreven, Sr. and Mabel Berthrong Russell McCreven. He was predeceased by his brother Edward J. McCreven Jr., and his beloved wife of 44 years, Ann Hackett McCreven.
A graduate of West Haven High School (Class of 1956), Quinnipiac College, and Fairfield University, after service in the National Guard, Russell devoted his career to teaching at West Haven High School. He retired in 1996 after 35 years, having served as head of the Social Studies department since 1965. He was also teacher's union WHFT (AFL-CIO) president in the early 1970s.
A passionate "Westie," his lifetime love of local sports included work announcing WHHS hockey games and his second career as a photographer and sportswriter. For decades, he could be spotted on the sidelines with his camera, documenting the achievements of generations of student athletes. He was inducted into the West Haven Athletics Hall of Fame and was honored to receive the Tinker Blake Community Service Award in 2022.
Russell is survived by his four children and their families, Sharon McCreven and Stephen Gourdier, and their children Jack Henry (and Danielle) Gumkowski and their children Jane and Ethan, and Lydia Gourdier and her children Haylie, Aurora, and Logan; Sheila McCreven and Michael Sean Helfenbein, and their children Michael Dylan, Jason Russell, and Katriana Lindsey Helfenbein; Sean McCreven and Kim Dillman McCreven, and their children Nicolas James (and Lara) and Jake Patrick McCreven; and Melinda Ann McCreven and her daughter Oona Ann McCreven Gottschalk.
He is also survived by nephews Sean Patrick Verlo, Mark Steven McCreven, Jeffrey and Robert (and Angela) Hackett, and his brother-in-law Bernard Skip (and Judy) Hackett. The family wishes to thank with deep gratitude his longtime aid Yaw Agya for his devoted care.
Visitation Thursday, October 23 from 5-8 p.m. will be followed by a funeral service at Keenan Funeral Home, West Haven, on October 24, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Doctor's Without Borders, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell McCreven
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Terry M.
October 28, 2025
Russ, a great WESTIE for a lifetime. Between teaching, sports, writing for the local newspaper he was all about West Haven. Condolences to his family
Kaaren Violante
October 26, 2025
Mr. McCreven was my social studies teacher at WHHS. He was a kind, intelligent and funny teacher. He showed his love for teaching by being patient with his students and engaging us in thoughtful discussions. He influenced my love of education, and I became a speech pathologist and special education teacher. RIP Mr. McCreven.
John Vento
October 23, 2025
Such a GREAT GUY !!! A legend in WH in MANY WAYS !!! Dr Karajanis called him "SCOOP " !!! Teaching with him @ WHHS was a TREAT ,always enjoyed talking to him ! Condolences to his family especially Sheila and Sean !!
Melanie Swenson
October 22, 2025
I have so many great memories of him...I knew him both through being at West Haven High ( class of 1990)
and being friends with his daughter Melinda from our freshman year to today.
I remember his kindness, and being downstairs developing film. His and Ann's house was always welcome to all of us teenagers.
I often saw him years later at the grocery store (usually buying bananas) and he always asked how I was.
He was a talented gentle and intelligent soul and I am privileged to have known him
John and Annette Davies
October 21, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Karen Piscatelli Naples
October 21, 2025
Mr. McCreven was a true gentleman & a great teacher!
He was a devoted Westie throughout his life always supporting his students and citizens of WH! With my sincere sympathy in the loss of this good man!
Joan Weed
October 21, 2025
I remember Russ from our HS days. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Joan Northrop Weed
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Funeral services provided by:
Keenan Funeral Home, Inc. - West Haven238 Elm Street, West Haven, CT 06516
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