Robert Russell

Robert E. Russell, of Essex, Vermont passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022 in Venice, Florida while visiting his daughter for the holidays. Robert was born in Essex, VT on September 13, 1935. He is the son of the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Gates) Russell.
Robert was affectionately known as Bob by family and friends, Dad, by his loving children, and Zim & Gramps by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob grew up in Waterbury, VT and attended Waterbury High School, where he earned the nick name "Pro" for his prowess on the basketball court and baseball field-graduating in 1953. He joined the Army reserves at 16 and upon graduation he joined the Army during the Korean War and served until 1956. After leaving the Army he joined the Vermont Army National Guard retiring in 1977 as a Master Sargeant. During his time in the Vermont Army Guard in the 1960's, when the unit was armored, Bob was part of the only firing crew in New England to pass an Army performance test. Bob began a long career with Green Mountain Power Corp in 1956 in the Vergennes Power Plant and in 1960 became a lineman in Burlington. He retired from GMP in 1995 after 39 years of service. Bob was instrumental in starting Essex Town Little League in the 1960's when there were only enough players to field a "travel" team, playing towns outside of Essex. He coached his son's baseball teams many years and even had a stint as his daughter's softball coach. In later years Bob assisted in coaching his grandson's Babe Ruth Team and was the honorary "bench coach" for the Essex Legion Baseball team, Post 91, where he earned his nickname of "Zim." He will be remembered by the Legion players for the infamous "bone water" that he brought to all practices and games.
Bob was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Janice (LeBeau) in 1995. He is survived by his loving children Stephen Russell and partner Nancy Vanagas, his daughter Connie Russell and her husband David Prince, his grandchildren, Joshua Jacobs and his wife Alyssa of Essex, Michael Russell and his wife Sidney and Ryan Russell and his wife Stephanie all of CA. Greatgrandchildren, Sophia & Grace Jacobs, and Ada and Bertrand Russell. Bob is also survived by his brother Douglas Russell and his wife Martha, several nieces and nephews and a special friend of many years, Joshua's Dad, Mike Jacobs. Dad was the happiest when he was spending time with his family, he traveled to many of his grandchildren's sporting events-hockey, baseball & football, even making sure to travel to CA to see the boy's games. He traveled to many places including Alaska, Civil War Battlefields, Australia & New Zealand with his grandson Josh and several trips across the United States to visit Steve and his family in CA. The last two years Dad resided at Mansfield Place in Essex, where he enjoyed having meals at the "Bob" table-with Bob, Bob, Bob, & Larry.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 13 at Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Jct from 4-7pm. The family asks that you also join them for a memorial luncheon on Saturday, January 14 at the American Legion Post 91, 3650 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester at 11:30am. Bob will be buried with full military honors in the Spring in Mountain View Cemetery in Essex, resting next to his wife Janice. Dad's last words were, "I love my family" this by far is the truest testament to the man he was. "Rest well on your journey Dad- we love you and miss you."