John Russell

John "Jack" Merrill Russell, 83, of Salem, died peacefully at home surrounded by family, on March 12, 2026 after a brief illness. He was the only child of the late Jefferson Russell and Mollen (Dohanyos) Russell and was married to the late Rev. Susan H. Russell for 56 years before her passing in 2024.

Jack was born in Knox, PA on June 3, 1942 and began his musical study as an organist at the age of 12. He attended Oberlin Conservatory where he studied organ with Haskell Thomson, studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria during a semester abroad and, as a member of the Oberlin College Choir, toured the Soviet Union in 1964. He viewed his Oberlin experiences as seminal and life-long sources of inspiration. He completed his Masters Degree in Organ at Boston University while on a Choral Conducting Fellowship and, during this time, met Susan at one of his own recitals. His career as a professor, choir conductor and church musician spanned nearly 60 years in Vermont, Ohio, Illinois and Massachusetts. He joined the Music faculty of the College of Wooster in 1974 and served as Organ Professor and Director of The Wooster Chorus until 2008. During a pivotal sabbatical with his family, he spent the 1982-83 academic year as a Visiting Choral Scholar at Clare College, Cambridge University. During his 34 year tenure at the College of Wooster, Jack conducted countless concerts, led more than 30 chorus tours all over North America, and touched the lives of an overwhelming number of students, audience members and friends. His love of his students, his support for his colleagues and his gift for mentorship had a profound effect on the College of Wooster community and the many generations of alumni who continued to play a crucial role throughout his life.

As an organist and church choir conductor, Jack served multiple parishes, notably First Presbyterian Church in Wooster where he worked for over 25 years and spear-headed the installation of that congregation's beautiful Karl Wilhelm organ. After retiring from the College of Wooster, Jack became organist and choir master at Christ Church of Hamilton and Wenham, MA, and, for 17 years, worked alongside Susan who served as a priest in Stephen Ministry. In their later years, Jack and Susan were treasured and sustained by Christ Church's loving community, a source of great joy.

At the very core of Jack's being was his love of people. Jack enjoyed animated and witty conversations with nearly everybody, and his depth of support, care, and investment in those he loved was unparalleled. He cherished providing wise and nurturing counsel, took any and all steps to help people in need, and lived a full, spiritual and grace-filled life with his beloved Susan. His unconditional love changed the lives of those who knew him and beyond and serves as a model for compassion and faith in a difficult world.

Jack's adoring family grounded everything he did and he could not have been more proud of the accomplishments of his sons, their wives and his most cherished grandchildren. Gatherings with family and friends throughout his life found Jack reveling in meals, laughter, games, conversation, and always a fine dessert. He loved watching and playing tennis, attending concerts (followed by his own particular brand of commentary), and traveling to visit friends. His enduring love for Susan throughout their five decades of marriage inspired all who knew them and shaped a beautiful extended family of dear friends stretching far and wide.

Jack's legacy lives on through his sons David of Hyde Park, MA and Timothy of Marion, MA, their spouses Tanya Maggi and Elizabeth (Garvey) Russell, and his grandchildren Amelia (Millie), Teo, James and Ada.

Information about a celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the American Civil Liberties Union. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, MA. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.