Richard Eugene Russell

Richard Eugene Russell died suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Sandwich, MA, on June 21, 2024. He was 81.

Born in Mt. Vernon, IL, Richard was the son of Genevieve J. (Swan) Russell and Everett Eugene Russell. When he was very young, his family moved to Berkeley, MO, and he was educated in the Berkeley Public Schools. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree from Southern Illinois University. In addition, he attended the Ecole Internationale des Beaux Arts in Nice, France, where he studied Lithography.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in September, 1968, and in 1969 was sent to Vietnam as a commissioned Artillery Officer. Despite being wounded in action, he completed a thirteen month tour of duty, returning with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star Medal, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal awarded for heroism and outstanding achievement.

From 1976 to 2019, Richard and his wife, Mary-Louise "Bonnie" (Mascarello) Russell lived in Winchester, MA, where they raised their two children, Timothy M. Russell, of Washington, DC, and Catherine M. Russell, of Sandwich. Richard taught art in public schools in Connecticut and Illinois, then worked in computer sales for Digital Equipment Corporation and Honeywell Bull, Inc.. After retiring from the computer industry, he acquired a Real Estate license and worked for Coldwell Banker in Winchester. He also delivered Meals on Wheels to customers in Malden, Everett and Medford.

Friends and family remember Richard as a kind person with an infectious laugh. He loved spending summers in the South of France, where for many years he worked to restore the home he had inherited in the small Alpine village of Tende. Most of all, Richard was devoted to Bonnie, his wife of fifty-five years and to Tim and Catherine. Indeed, he was happiest when with them - enjoying a picnic on the beach, or walking in the woods.

In addition to his wife and children, Richard leaves his brother, Larry D. Russell of Augusta, GA, step brother, Scott E. Harlow, also of Augusta, a sister-in-law, Sue Harlow of St. Louis, nephews Jason Harlow of St. Louis, and Jeffrey Harlow of St. Charles, MO, and niece, Melissa Harlow of Chicago, IL.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Sunday, October 13, at 3:00 PM, at Marsh Chapel, Boston University, 735 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA. Ample free parking adjacent to the chapel may be accessed by driving to the far end of Bay State Road. Memorial donations may be made to Marsh Chapel, Chaplain's Endowment Fund, 735 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.