Russell E. Wilson

Russell E. Wilson, 55, of Manchester, died suddenly on Saturday, June 28, 2014.

Russ dearly loved his daughters, his family, his legions of friends, and the Yankees. He had faith in God and asked Him to watch over all of the above. Russ' greatest gifts to the world are daughters, Chelsea and Kaitlyn, whom he called his "lovelies," not just for how they look but for who they are. If he could have asked for anything more from life it would been more time with them. Russ graduated from Manchester High School in 1976 and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Hartford. He had a rare blend of talents: He was a fine writer (this would be better if he'd written it) and a skilled tradesman who advanced from apprentice electrician to master electrician to president of the family business, Wilson Electric. In recent years, he worked as a writer for the marketing firm run by his sister, Cheryl. His favorite saying was, "It's all about me," which was funniest when he said it at somebody else's birthday party. In his leisure time he listened to the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen and read good books. He fished on Coventry Lake, where he caught some bass that were as big as he said they were. Russ was a friend of Bill W. He had the courage to examine his life and make changes in it. In recent years he supported countless others who sought sobriety and a deeper spiritual life.

Russ leaves two former wives, both of whom remained his friends, Beth Dronsfield of Newington and Cheryl Armogida Wilson of Manchester. Russ leaves a large and heartbroken family: parents Carolyn and Earle of Manchester; brother, Daniel, and sister-in-law, Sharon, of Bolton; brother, Michael and sister-in-law, Alisa Jenkins of New York; and sister, Cheryl Parrish, and brother-in-law, John, of Tampa, Florida. Other survivors include nieces, Olivia, Julia, and Lena; and nephews, Dyami and Kirby. He will be sorely missed by his church family, the wait staff at the Cosmic Omelet, and everyone else fortunate enough to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery.

Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester.

Celebration of life is 4 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main St., Manchester.

For directions or to sign the online register book go to

www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Casual attire. It's all about Russ.