William John Russell

William John Russell passed away on August 5th, 2024 following two and a half years of cancer treatment, altering the quality of his final days in order to be here for birthdays, holidays, recitals and games with his loving family.
William or "Bill, Billy or most importantly Dad and Grandpa Bill" as he was known was born on August 14, 1955 in Bangor, Maine to Cornelia Conquest Russell and Robert Chaples Russell. Bill was the second of four children; his older brother, Edward, younger brother, David and sister Dianne. He was predeceased by Dianne, his mother and father. He had an incredible memory of his childhood and shared many stories of his adventures; including riding his tricycle at the age of 3 down his street and into the driveway of a neighbor who would become his best friend of 65 years, Andy Woodcock.
Bill's family owned a car dealership and auto part stores, where he worked from the time he was 11 years old, beginning his career as an auto part salesman. Bill worked at Mack Trucks in Bangor and then moved to the Boston location when he was 23. He resided in Boston for 10 years until 1987 when he met the love of his life, Hillary Ann Wallace, and her two daughters; Bree Jasmine and Caitlin. Bill and Hillary were married on December 27, 1987 in a small ceremony with family and close friends in New Hampshire. Bill and Hillary's son, Christopher, joined the family in August 1988. They all briefly lived in New Hampshire before returning to the family home in Haddam, Connecticut, where he would live until his death.
A gifted storyteller, Bill talked to everyone - clerks at convenience stores, people in waiting rooms, or in the infusion room at Smilow Cancer Center, where the kid from Bangor discovered the room was filled with rock solid second district Mainers and his nurse was born in Newfoundland, where Bill's ancestors were from. In a hospital, curtains between patients are up. Bill left the curtains in place while happily taking the walls between them down. One of many times in countless circumstances.
Bill was the consummate salesman with an impeccable reputation; having worked for Mack Trucks from 1975 to 2008 and then McNeilus which is a subsidiary of Oshkosh from 2008 until he was forced to retire in 2023 due to his illness. He was so dedicated to his work that he even recited parts number's on his deathbed. One of Bill's most recent bosses told him that he was the best salesman he had ever had. He took a great deal of pride in his work and was very well respected in his industry
Among Bill's many interests (and there were many), was his love of the Boston Red Sox and the Celtics. He especially enjoyed passing his love of these teams to his son, Chris and grandchildren; especially Eli Palmieri and Aven Craddock. Bill was a great basketball player and played in the over 30 league in Haddam for 13 years. He developed a love of golf after he stopped playing basketball and enjoyed many hours with his son, sons-in-laws, David Palmeiri and Grayson Craddock and friends Andy and Dan Tolman at Miner Golf Course in Middletown. Bill was an avid reader and his knowledge of history and music was remarkable; of note was the breadth of his knowledge of World War II and the music of his youth. Bill's passions were passed on to him from his father and grandfather and he enjoyed sharing them with friends and family. Bill took his friends and family on beautiful boat rides in the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River. A lifelong democrat, Bill's dying wish was to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris.
Bill is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephew, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, son's girlfriend Gabby and friends. His greatest joy was being a father and being a grandfather to his six grandchildren; Eli, Lyla and Orion Palmieri and Aven, Rowan and Iris Craddock. Rowan would like for people to know that Bill was a kind and loving grandfather and Iris wants to share that she hopes that people know how much he loved pasta with meatballs and ice cream. Lyla will miss playing games and being silly with grandpa. There may have been no one sillier. One of the last things Bill was heard to say was "You know 50% of what I say is BS, right?" He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
A memorial for Bill's Maine friends and family to celebrate the life of this Magnificent Mainer will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 2 pm at the home of his brother Ed at 157 Holmes Street, Winterport, Maine 04496 (see signs for Penobscot Bay Estate). All are welcome. Please bring food to eat, beverages to drink and stories to tell ! Call Ed at (207) 478-7879 if needed.
A private gathering in Connecticut to celebrate Bill's life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please vote for Kamala Harris for President! All You Need is Love; ABFA; best luck in the future!