William Russell

OXFORD - William W. Russell, 86, of Wheelock Street, died Wednesday, January 20, 2010, in his home. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Lorraine (Silk) Russell of Oxford, who died in 1996. He is survived by three children, Karen R. Langer and her husband John W. of Sturbridge, Patricia A. Troy of Dover, NH, and Lisa J. Greene and her husband Charles of Oxford; a sister, Alice Sullivan of Auburn; eight grandchildren, Laura Elian, Karen Lovendale, Patrick Langer, Natalina Earls, John Troy, Mark Troy, Chelsea Greene, and Austin Greene; seven great grandchildren, Kate, Alex, Shane, Dahlia, Melody, Jaren, and Jackson; nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two sisters, Beatrice LaCoursiere of Shrewsbury and Rose Fitzpatrick of Worcester. He was born in Rutland, the son of the late William and Rose (Letendre) Russell, and was raised in Auburn, raised his family in Oxford, and retired to his vacation home in Chester, Vermont, before moving back to Oxford in 1997. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1941 and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Mr. Russell was a wood pattern maker at Cross Brothers Company in Worcester for 44 years, retiring in 1988. He was a member of St. Ann's Church in North Oxford. Mr. Russell was a member of the V.F.W. Post 5663 in Oxford and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans in Webster. He was one of the original founders of the Century Sportsman's Club in Auburn, and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. Mr. Russell had a lifelong respect of the Quabbin area and its history. He enjoyed walking and just sitting, observing the beauty and nature around him. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2010, at St. Ann's Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Those attending are respectfully requested to meet directly at the church. Military burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Dudley, with the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard participating. Calling hours are Sunday, January 24, 2010, from 4-7 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Overlook Masonic Hospice, P.O. Box 1000, Charlton, MA 01507.