RUSSELL T. BURTON Sr.

Burton, Russell T. Sr.
94, of Newburyport, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 4th, 2012, at his daughter's home in Hampton Falls, NH. Mr. Burton was born in Cliftondale, MA, on May 30, 1918. He was the youngest of nine children born to John Charles and Bessie Cole Burton. Mr. Burton was educated in the Saugus schools and graduated from the Essex Agricultural School and Landscape Design. He was a World War II Army Veteran and spent much of his active duty in Europe. Russell was predeceased by his wife of sixty-eight years, Dorothy Porter Burton. His work as a machinist and foreman at the General Electric Company spanned many years. A convert to Catholicism, his Faith was a significant part of his life, as were his family and friends. An active member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, he and his wife were daily communicants at early morning Mass. Mr. Burton was predeceased by his six sisters; Clara Killam, Mary MacGregor, Mildred Burton, Helen Everson, Margaret Morrissey and Harriet Mason. Also two brothers, John and Henry Burton. His sister-in-law, Ruth Porter Ryan, of Newburyport, MA, survives him. Mr. Burton leaves a son, Russell Thomas Burton Jr. of Newburyport, MA, and a daughter, Tracy Healey-Beattie and her husband, Edward Beattie of Hampton Falls, NH. Mr. Burton also leaves five grandchildren, Maura Healey and her partner Gabrielle Wolohojan of Charlestown, MA, Terence Healey and his wife Melanie of Essex, MA, Jeremy Healey and his wife Lisa of Pasadena, CA, Caitlin Healey of Boston, MA, and Tara Healey of Charlestown, MA. Mr. Burton also leaves three great grandchildren, Elsa, Cecelia and Finn Healey. Mr. Burton also leaves many dear relatives and friends. Russell had many interests including his study and care of his backyard birds; his great appreciation for New England architecture, the woods and the ocean. Many will recall his early morning trips to Todd Farm in Rowley, MA, with his pickup truck filled with evergreens and plants he grew and sold to eager folks awaiting his weekend arrival. He was actively engaged in the antique world and, with his wife Dorothy was a member of the Doll Collectors of America. He was known for his repair of antique dolls and furniture. A past Director on the Old Newbury Historical Society and Honorary member of the Newburyport Horticultural Society, Mr. Burton took great pride in his Newburyport residency. His greatest passion was his family. A man remembered for his industry and caring and concern for others, he will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 13th at 10:30 a.m., in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Newburyport, MA. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Newburyport. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 42 Green St. Newburyport, MA, 01950. To sign the family guest book, please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Twomey-LeBlanc and Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA. 01950