Search by Name

Search by Name

Russell Miller Church

1930 - 2021

Russell Miller Church obituary, 1930-2021, Providence, RI

BORN

1930

DIED

2021

Russell Church Obituary

CHURCH, RUSSELL MILLER
90, of Providence died peacefully on May 24, 2021. Russ was known for his positive outlook, academic curiosity, infectious smile and kind spirit. He was born to Donald and Pearl Dee Church in New York City. Russ met his future wife of 63 years, Ruth Kutz, while attending high school in Washington, DC.
After graduating from University of Michigan in 1952 and then earning a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Russ began his distinguished 63-year career in experimental psychology at Brown University (1955 -2018). He was the primary advisor for 21 Ph.D. students. With them and other colleagues Russ has more than 150 publications and over 18,000 citations. As described by one of his former students, he set the example of how to face challenges and discoveries both in the laboratory and in life.
Russ was an accomplished and avid chess player. He was selected to compete against the IBM chess-playing computer Deep Blue and succeeded in playing it to a draw. Several years before, World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer phoned him to discuss a computer chess program Russ had written. They spoke for two hours!
Russ was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by his son, Kenneth (Tina) Church, daughter, Emily (Gregg) Moore and three grandchildren, Kyle (Leah) Moore, Brian Moore and Benjamin Church, great-grandchild Addison Carter Moore, two nephews, a niece and a sister-in-law.
A celebration of his life will be held June 27 at 1:30 at the Roger Williams Zoo. Memorials to support graduate student travel and conferences may be sent to Brown University, Box 1877, Providence, RI 02912. Memo line: In memory of Russell Church. Condolences may be left at monahandrabblesherman.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal from Jun. 13 to Jun. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Church

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Russell Church's name

Memorial Events
for Russell Church

Jun

27

Celebration of Life

1:30 p.m.

Roger Williams Zoo

RI

How to support Russell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Russell Church's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more