Russell Newton "Russ" Banton

Russell "Russ" Newton Banton of Brunswick passed away November 28, 2025 at the Maine Veteran's Home in Augusta with his family by his side. Born March 31,1948 in Boothbay Harbor to Royce and Geraldine (Miller) Banton, he spent his childhood in Boothbay and Brunswick, before his family settled in Bangor. Russ graduated from Bangor High School in 1966 and the University of Maine in 1970. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. While in college, Russ purchased a small cabin on Pleasant River Lake that would become a favorite family gathering spot, with many hours spent swimming, boating, fishing and enjoying time together.

After returning from the Vietnam War, Russ began working in the grocery industry in Maine and Massachusetts. In 1972, on a fortuitous trip to the Quebec Winter Carnival, Russ met MaryEllen "Mel" Moreland. They were married in July 1974 and remained so until Russ's passing. Russ and Mel settled in Brunswick where they raised three children, Brian, Ben, and Robyn.

Over the course of his career, Russ worked for Nestlé, Nabisco, and Associated Grocers of Maine. He later joined L.L. Bean, where he spent many years and was proudly counted among "Bean's Best."

When his children were young, Russ coached their youth soccer teams. As they grew, he remained their steadfast-and often quiet-supporter, attending countless soccer matches, swim meets, and school events. Even after his own children graduated, Russ could still be found cheering for the Brunswick High School boys' and girls' soccer teams.

Russ was happiest when spending time with family, and he especially loved fishing. He often carried a rod in his car, ready to stop at a river, pond, or lake on his way home from work. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the back roads of Maine, the kind earned through years of exploring with maps in hand. A devoted Red Sox fan, Russ possessed a remarkable store of baseball trivia-mostly, of course, about the Sox. In his later years, he was rarely seen without a newspaper and a pencil, deep in a Sudoku or crossword puzzle. And he never turned down dessert-ice cream, pie, cookies, or donuts.

Russ was an active and dedicated member of his community. A longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, he served on the church council. He spent years visiting an elderly friend, Ralph, bringing conversation and companionship each week. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and, later in life, at The Gathering Place in Brunswick. Above all, Russ was someone who showed up-if asked to serve, he did so without hesitation.

After retiring, Russ and Mel joined the Sage Square and Round Dance Club, spending many evenings and weekends dancing and enjoying the company of new friends. They also traveled in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America and delighted in caring for their grandchildren.

Russ is survived by his wife MaryEllen "Mel" Banton of Brunswick, his three children, Brian of Topsham, ME, Benjamin of Brunswick, ME and Robyn of Camarillo, CA; daughter-in-law Nadia Celis, son-in-law Tonmoy Mukherjee, and six grandchildren, Ranger, Sebastian, Nicolas, Aditya, Ellie, and Arun.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 13th at 1 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 336 Maine Street in Brunswick. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program or the Maine Veterans Home Resident Activities Fund in memory of Russ.