Russell Thomas Natoce Sr.

1930 - 2012

Russell Thomas Natoce Sr., 81, died Tuesday, April 17, 2012.
Russ lived in Williamsburg with Joan (Schade), his wife of 59 years. He was a familiar face at St. Bede, devoted to greeting arrivers at Sunday morning Mass and will be remembered as a man "who never met a stranger."
He also is remembered by friends and family from Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born June 19, 1930. He graduated from John Adams High School and attended Fenn College. From 1951 to 1954 he served with the Coast Guard, stationed out of Rhode Island.
After his service, Russ returned home to Cleveland to raise a family and launch a 42-year career with Ohio Bell and Ameritech. He began as a cable splicer and retired as a district manager in charge of company benefits. During those years, he was a Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster, Order of the Arrow, and his three sons all achieved Eagle Scout. He also taught at Oberlin College.
Russ was an avid reader and lifelong student of history. Upon retirement, he and Joan commenced traveling, cruising to exotic ports of call around the globe, and they soon found a new home in historic Williamsburg.
Russ was a devoted 15-year volunteer for Colonial Williamsburg and greatly enjoyed the Electronic Field Trips that offered him the opportunity to "re-live" history and answer student questions. A masterful storyteller and tour guide, he received many letters of commendation for his excellent presentations of historical events. As an active leader in the Holly Hills community, he was responsible for much of the quality and commitment being extended to its present layout.
In his spare time, he designed and crafted stained glass, constructed birdhouses for friends, family and Carter's Grove, and sometimes enjoyed golf. His passion for our maritime legacy was also manifest in detailed construction of over a dozen model sailing ships. The gift and challenge from his sons of the eighth-inch scale "Old Ironsides," the USS Constitution, required seven years for completion.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary, and father, Joseph; his sister, Grace, and brother, Joseph; and his daughters, Laura and Beth.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three sons: Russell Thomas Natoce Jr. and wife, Katharyn, Jeffrey John Natoce and wife, Laura, Douglas James Natoce and wife, Jill; his five grandchildren: Daniel, Lisa, Sarah, Amy and Douglas; and his two nephews, Ken Mallory and James Campise.
A Mass will be offered at 9 a.m. Monday, April 23, at St. Bede Catholic Church on Ironbound Road. Interment will follow in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Bede Building Fund or the Hospice House of Williamsburg. Online condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com or www.vagazette.com.