William W. Russell, Jr. 96, a long-time resident of Winchester died on Monday, June 19, 2017 in the comfort of his home. He passed peacefully with the love of his family near.
William was born the son of the late Nellie (Craig) and William W. Russell Sr. on January 15, 1921 in Center Sandwich, NH. At the age of 15 his family moved to Winchester where he graduated from Thayer High School, class of 1938.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served as a Company Clerk. Bill was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Bill served from October 1, 1942 until January 30 1945. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Tech 4 / E-4. Bill served with the 661st. Tank Destroyer Battalion attached to the 69th. Infanttry Division on Germany. Following the completion of their mission in Europe and while his division was preparing for deployment to the Pacific Theatre, thankfully, the war came to it’s conclusion.
On June 24, 1946 he exchanged vows with Natalie H. Young at the United Church of Winchester. They were married with family and friends in attendance. Sadly, Natalie passed on December 27, 2008 after sixty-two years of marriage.
Bill worked at the A.C. Lawrence Leather Company in Winchester for forty-two years before retiring in 1988. He also served as a Bail Commissioner for the New Hampshire Disctrict Court System for forty years. He also had a civic side to him. He enjoyed his time as the Town Clerk for twelve years for the Town of Winchester. He also took part in many aspects of town government and community events.
Time was spent tinkering. He liked to fix things around the house. He also enjoyed gardening and taking care of his lawn. Bill was known by the local kids for having a swimming pool where his kids and the local kids would swim. Bill was also a Life Time Member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Winchester.
Mr. Russell is survived by his children; Janean D. Gay and her husband David if Winchester. Sarah Delano of Hinsdale and Elaine Wallace and her husband Michael of Drewsville. A sister, Nancy Paquette of Ocala, Fl. Ten grandchildren; Kathy Callander, Earl Royce, Tamara Morrow, Brian Gay, Amanda Ferro, Kerri Pagach, Jared Delano, Aaron Delano, Amber Bushway and Ryan Wallace. He also leaves sixteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends. Bill is pre-deceased by eleven siblings.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 10am. in the United Church of Winchester, 97 Main St. Winchester, NH. 03470. Burial will follow in the family lot with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery, Richmond Rd. Winchester, NH. 03470. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of William W. Russell Jr. To: Winchester Police Association, 6 Parker St. Winchester, NH. 03470 or to: Hospice, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
