Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Russell Han Obituary
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. The funeral service and interment will be private.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 785, New London CT 06320.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Han
Rita Conklin
November 3, 2010
Michele, Jeremy and Family,
We are very sorry to learn of the passing of your father, Russell. We enjoyed working with him over the many years and consider his passing to be an untimely loss to the entire community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Sincerely,
Rita and Brian Conklin
The Post Road Review
October 31, 2010
We offer our Sincere Condolences to Luann, Michelle, Jeremy and All the other Han family members including all Shack employees. Russell will be sadly missed by all who knew him. My wife and I had the pleasure of his friendly present many mornings at the Waterford Shack as we have been going there weekly for years.
Our Sincere Thoughts and Heartfelt Feelings for Everyone....
Ben and Carol Nelson Quaker Hill
Linda K. (Rehnback) Danesi
October 25, 2010
How can words express the shock and sadness I felt when I heard that Russell had passed? I was a long-time employee of Bee Bee's Dairy and after I had left for a while, I went back to work for the company. Russell was my manager. I told Dino Pappas, who was primary owner of BB's, that he was the best manager he had ever had...and he was only 21 years old at that time. I worked with him for six years, before I returned to Virginia. I've never forgotten him and stopped by several times to "The Shack", when I visited CT. I know that he will be missed for his wit, smile and quiet commanding presence. He made a difference in this world. My condolences to Luann, Michelle, Jeremy and the rest of the Hann Family.
October 22, 2010
Michelle and Jeremy and families,
We have just returned from a long vacation and were so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your father. We thought so highly of him and his efforts to keep the wonderful Shack going and with Jeremy's help, even expanding. Having had both of you as students at ELHS, I wanted to let you know how sorry we are and we hope that the memories you have of your dad will help you cope with his unexpected passing.
Nancy & Glenn Pennington
SuEllen & Ed Nugent
October 18, 2010
To the Han family and Shack staff,
We were very surprised and saddened when we read the article in the NL Day about Russ's untimely passing. We regret that we were unable to attend the Calling Hours for Russ. We have been regular customers at the Shack restaurants for years and always admired the freshness of the food, the excellent service, and the way he ran his restaurants. We believe that Russ has left a legacy of good restaurant management. Please accept our sincere condolences and utmost sympathy for your loss of Russ.
October 16, 2010
Stephanie and The Han Family,
Our sincere condolences on the sudden loss of your Uncle and Husband/Father. Our thoughts are with you at this extremely difficult time. We hope that your many memories ease the pain you are feeling. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. You are in our thoughts.
The Mele Family
Cindy-Marie Smith
October 15, 2010
Jeremy,
I was very sad to hear of your Dad's passing. Unfortunately, I only worked for him for a short period of time. He was so gracious last month holding the memorial for my cousin, Tim, at the Shack. Your family and the Shack family have suffered a tremendous loss and I pray God will give you strength during this difficult time.
Cindy
October 13, 2010
Dear Han Family,
I am so deeply sorry for you loss. We will keep him and long with his family and the Shack family in our prayers.
Sincerely Yours,
Jon, Lisa, Barry, and Jaime Simmons
john longinidis
October 13, 2010
To jeremy and the Han family, our deepest condolensence. Your pain will ease with every great memory you hold and enjoy of Russ. May he rest in eternal peace
Ruth Stewart-Curley
October 13, 2010
Dear Michelle and Family,
My sympathies in this great loss! I know your great circle of friends and family will support you. We are all thinking of you.
October 13, 2010
Luann, I'm so sorry to hear of Russell passing away. I will be praying for you and your family. Send me your address so we can stay in touch. Love and prayers, Jill Gilkey(Athens, OH)
celeste caracausa
October 13, 2010
my thoughts and prayers are with the
family russell was a dear,dear friend
i am available for any assistance i may
be able to provide at any time...any hour
Maggie Liparulo
October 13, 2010
I was deeply saddened to hear about Russ. He will be greatly missed. I worked with him at Bee Bee Dairy. He was a very special man. Whenever I ran into him he always took the time to stop and chat for a while. He had a special quality and always made his customers feel at home. My condolences to his family. You were blessed to have had Russell in your life. Hold your memories in your heart and know that he will be fondly remembered by anyone who knew him.
Jill Greene
October 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you smiles.
Kris Geer
October 13, 2010
I am so deeply saddened and you're all in my thoughts and prayers. My your loving memories bring you comfort.
Paulette Baker
October 12, 2010
Russell was one of nicest people I have ever known. He always let his regulars know how much he appreciated our business. He always stopped by to check out what I was reading and was ready with a smile and thank-you. Russell and his family have been feeding me at least twice a week for years. His presence will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Nicole Dempsey
October 12, 2010
One of the most inspirational men I have ever known. I will miss you so much Russell, you will be in my thoughts for ever and always.
shannon & john charron
October 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mike Thorne
October 12, 2010
LuAnn and family, so much has gone through my mind since I heard the tragic news. I first met Russ about 30 years ago, through you when we worked at Bee Bee's (Jeremy was "in the oven"). Later I had the privilege to work with him as his Assistant Manager at Bee Bees on RT 85, and later cooking at The Original Shack, and Shack Connection in Norwich. I learned so much from him that still helps me today as a Restaurant Manager. The other night as I was cooking pancakes on the line, I still heard his voice in my head saying "nice and round and golden brown". Some of my employees who work both at The Shack and Denny's laugh when I respond to a situation just like my favorite mentor. Thanks Russ for all you taught me, and for letting me into your Shack and Bee Bee families. To Lu, Michelle, and Jeremy my sincere condolences.
He will be missed, but never forgotten because he lives on in so many folks he touched like mine.
October 12, 2010
Dear Jeremy, Stephanie, and family.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers nonstop. I was so saddened to learn of Russell's passing. Working for Russ taught me me how to work hard and be passionate about work at a young age.
Words can only be so comforting and I wish I could have been there last night to offer hugs, comfort, and my condolences to your family during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
"Allicat" "Blue"
Jillian Porter
October 12, 2010
Jeremy, Stephanie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Russell's passing. He was an amazing man with great character and a huge heart. He will be deeply missed. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love - Brendon and Jill Porter
Carri Boiselle
October 12, 2010
My thoughts are with the Han family during this time of sadness. Russell was a great man and a wonderful person to work for and with. He was nothing but kind and generous, and it was an honor to know him. He will never be forgotten.
Toni Grady
October 12, 2010
To the Han Family and the Shack Family - My Sympathies go out to you all at this time of sorrow. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I worked for Russell when he was the manager at Bee Bee Dairy. He was a great guy with a great smile. I have many fond memories of that time. He will be deeply missed.
Bonnie Wainwright & family
October 12, 2010
To Michele and family,
I've been thinking of you since I heard about the loss of your father. Sorry I couldn't attend last night. May all of your happy memories sustain you through this difficult time and bring peace to you in the future.
Todd Fredriksen
October 11, 2010
To the Han family...
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go ot to you all. We were fortunate to get to know Russell over the years by visiting The Shack hundreds of times and became good friends. We are stunned and saddened by this news.
Collett Family
October 11, 2010
Jeremy & The Han Family,We are very sorry to hear of Russell's passing.Our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Matt-n-Diane Kierys
October 11, 2010
Jeremy & Family, We were so very sad to hear of your fathers passing. As regulars of both East Lyme and Waterford Shack restaurants he always made us feel welcome.
paula and joe pasquaretta
October 11, 2010
To the Han Family and the Shack family.
We send our deepest sympathy.
We will miss our Sunday Banter with Russ. He was a great guy.
May he rest in peace.
The Morgan Family
October 11, 2010
Michele and Family - We are so sorry for your loss. The times we were able to spend together with you and your family are some of the most memorable times for us. Your family, especially your dad, made us feel accepted and comfortable. We will miss him dearly. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers.
Ann Perkins
October 11, 2010
We were so sorry to learn of Russell's passing...our deepest sympathies to you LuAnn and your family.
Ann & (Ronald) Perkins, Ascutney, VT
Joanne, Al, Joy D'Anca
October 11, 2010
To the Han and Shack Family:
We are both shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Russ. As part time residents of Niantic from New York, we became a part of the Shack family almost 10 years ago when we visited at least one of the restaurants on a daily basis. Russ could make a bad day better by a simple smile of his smart remarks about my kayaking abilities. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Russ as a friend.
Loreta & Paul Hall
October 11, 2010
To the Han Family, I was so sad to hear about the loss Russ. Our hearts goes out to the family.
Emelie (Hislop) Napolitano
October 11, 2010
Jeremy and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
October 11, 2010
Michele and Family - we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Russ sounded like an amazing person and is surely gone too soon. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Brian O'Neill
Nancy (Shafman) Kramer
October 11, 2010
To the Han Family, Russ was a great guy and very good to my family. My brother Peter and Russ started out together at BeeBe Dairy years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Russ will be missed by many and is gone way to young. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Levitsky Davis
October 11, 2010
Michelle and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. We will miss Russ! He was a truely great man!!~
Sara Yezefski
October 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all: Jeremy, Michelle, LuAnn and The Shack family. I had the honor of Russell being my boss for three years and working on the line with him every Friday night for two years at the original Shack. I am deeply saddened by his passing and want you all to know that his belief in me and my ability has helped me grow into the woman I am today.
Leah LeCara
October 11, 2010
Michele, the most sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 11, 2010
To The Han Family,Luann,Michelle and Jeremy I have known you dad and mom from when I worked at BeeBee Dairy 30years ago your dad was a great person he helped me out when I went to work for him at The Shack he will be missed You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John Sisson Jr. Dayville Ct.
Jim Shake
October 11, 2010
The Russ's Family and Friends:
I'm truly saddened to read of the passing of an old friend and teammate. I came to know Russ many years ago when we first came off the ponds playing hockey in a rink for the first time in Glastonbury. Russ was our goalie and stood between the pipes for us for quite a few years as a member of the Niantic Blades. A great, hardworking guy. He will be missed by many. My condolences go out to his two families, the Han Family and his "Shack Family". God Bless.
laurie creswell
October 11, 2010
Michelle, so sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your family....laurie creswell
Francine Sisson
October 11, 2010
Luann and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
October 11, 2010
Luann and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless you and your family.
Jacqui (Noel) Ensor
Stephen & Susan Besade
October 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Griffiths
October 11, 2010
To the Han and the Shack family,
My deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of Russell. I was a classmate at ELHS, call of '73 and knew Russell from hockey which he played years ago with my cousins. He will be sadly missed.
Linda (Manwaring) Griffiths
tina stubbs
October 11, 2010
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Michele and Jeremy & the Han family. I have known Russ over 16yrs , I will miss him ,seeing his smiling face coming in to book travel. You are in my thoughts and prayers . He was a hard worker and loved his family. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories. Love Tina Stubbs
Bobby Kay
October 11, 2010
I sending my deepest smphathy to family and friends of Russ. He was my boss at the former BeeBee dairies. From Bobby Kay,Mystic
Peter Shafman
October 11, 2010
My sincere condolences to Jeremy, Stephanie, Luann and the rest of the family, including The Shack family. I met Russ 33 years ago when he hired me as a dishwasher in Mystic. He taught me everything about the restaurant business and I became his assistant manager. I helped him when he first opened The Shack. He told me he took the "Little Brown" part of the name out because he had dreams of it not being Little or Brown forever. He sure knew what he was talking about!! The last time I saw him he said "I think you're my oldest friend!" He always wanted me to come back and work for him. What a terrible loss for his family, the people who work for him and the community. He will be missed so much, he was one of nicest guys in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lorraine Desnoyers
October 10, 2010
Dearest Han family; our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to you during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lorraine & Betty Desnoyers - New London
Diane Felty
October 10, 2010
My thoughts go out to the Han family as well as those a part of the Shack family. Russell was a kind man who will be missed by many.
Bill Shafman
October 10, 2010
My sincere sympathy to the Han family. The Shafmans have known Russ for over thirty years,and his friendship will never be forgotten. We will miss his smiling face and his laugh!
Becky Adams
October 10, 2010
To the Han and Shack Family~My deepest sympathies to you all. We all can only hope that when our time comes, we will be able to go having as much respect and appreciation as Russ obviously does from so many. I worked for Russ many many moons ago and have many fond memories of that time. He has been a constant in the lives of many and he will be missed tremendously in his family, his establishment, in the community and by all who crossed his path in this life. What an extrodinary man!
Susan Campbell
October 10, 2010
Rarely does one business engender so much loyalty and provide the sense of "comfort" provided by The Shack.
He was a wonderful man and his family is in my prayers.
Susan Campbell
Waterford, CT
Humberto Nonalaya
October 10, 2010
I am sorry for the loss to the Han family. I appreciate him giving me a job after coming here from my country. I will never forget how taught me how to make everything well in the kitchen. He was always kind to his employees and customers.
October 10, 2010
My sincere condolences to Michele,Jeremy,Jim,Stephanie,Jack and Nate,The Shack family,Luann,and of course Rusty. The picture you chose is perfect, as it is the smiling face I see when I think of Russell. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss him dearly, may he rest in peace.
Our love
Michelle,Raquel,and Briana
Pamela Perry
October 10, 2010
He never forgot me all the years I spent at his East Lyme restaurant. A VERY personable nice man gone too soon. So sorry to the family of a great man. Peace to all of you.
Jennifer Lindo
October 10, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the Han family and all of his employees. As a long time customer of the Shack I had come to look for his smile as part of the Shack experience. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, he will be missed by many.
October 10, 2010
To the Han Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Russ was a great guy and I will always remember the smile that greeted me at The Shack in East Lyme for all these years. He always asked how I was doing and what was new. It always felt like home going in there. I will keep going to the Shack and will see that smile when I go there. The Han Family as well as the Shack Family are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Marilyn Kovach
October 10, 2010
To The Family Of Russ
Our Sympathy and prayers are with you.We will miss not seeing his smiling face at the Shack,as we saw it for many years that we have been coming there.
May he rest in peace.
October 10, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful man and one of the best bosses I have ever had. My heart goes out to the Han family as well as The Shack family, we will miss you each and every day.
Love,
Sandee, Isaiah, Emma and Abigail
Vivian Straub
October 10, 2010
Jeremy & Family,
I am shocked to hear of your Dads passing.I have gone to the Shack to eat for many many years and have made friends with your Dad. Please accept my condolences. He was a great man.
Richard Garofalo
October 10, 2010
My Sympathy to the entire Han family, his employees, but most of all the entire towns of East Lyme, Waterford and Groton. He was a wonderful,friendly man and he will be sorely missed.
Darrell Lupo
October 10, 2010
My Condolences to the Han Family, I have been going to the Shack for many years now and Got to know Russ a Little, He will be missed Greatly. It just wont be the same with out him, But I know his family will Make it through this hard time. God Bless
October 10, 2010
You were a wonderful man who will be misses by so many My thoughts and prayers are with your family Luann michelle and Jeremy Always Cathy Bishop and family
Danielle Drea
October 10, 2010
The thought that has helped through this difficult week:
I put my uniform on today knowing I go in for a man who though, he frustrated me many a day and made me smile just as often, gave us all so much that will never be forgotten. May we carry on in his memory and show him that all that he built for his family and for us, will continue to make him a proud legacy.
I will miss you, my friend.
Jeremy, Michele, Jim and Luann, The Shack Family are with you...ever and always.
October 10, 2010
Jeremy,Stephanie,Michele,Jim & Luann,
Our Hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Your Dad was a wonderful man and I will miss him very much. Love, Holly,Miles and Family
October 10, 2010
Jeremy + Family, Sincerest condolences for your loss--Your Dad was a wonderful man and you'll all have such wonderful memories to comfort you.......The Woodworth's
October 10, 2010
Sad news indeed.. will the restaurant close shortly, memorially, as a testament to his many years of hard work and dedication..??
Danielle Drea
October 10, 2010
The thought that has carried me through this tough week:
I put my uniform on today knowing I go in for a man who though, he frustrated me many a day and made me smile just as often, gave us all so much that will never be forgotten. May we carry on in his memory and show him that all that he built for his family and for us, will continue to make him a proud legacy.
I will miss you, my friend.
Jeremy, Michele, Jim, and Lu, our Shack family will ever be true to help you through this difficult time..ever and always.
Derrie Proctor
October 10, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Danielle Alcoba
October 10, 2010
To the Han Family, Staff Members at "The Shack",Cathy, Danielle and Kelly, I can not express just how sad I am to hear of the loss of Russ. Southeastern CT has truely lost a great man. He had always made it a point to come over to you and ask how you are and how the food was. He always had a smile on his face no matter how busy "the shack" was. It just wont feel the same with out him walking around and smiling. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Our family visits the shack often and will sadly miss Russ! God Bless him.
Danielle (Hobby)Alcoba and family.
Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results
Make a Donation
in Russell Han's name
Memorial Events
for Russell Han
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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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
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
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Russell Han's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
