William J. "Bill" Russell

William “Bill” J. Russell passed away suddenly February 11, 2019.

Bill had a zest for life with his favorite motto being “Life is too short to drink cheap whiskey or smoke cheap cigars” and he made sure that he never did either! He enjoyed nothing more than sitting on his winterized back porch, with the propane heater set to max, a snow storm raging outside and one of his many close friends joining him in a “cube.”

In Bill’s younger days he was an avid scuba diver with a knack for locating lobsters which he would quickly trade for steak with the neighbors. He had hoped to serve his country as a pilot for the Navy but a knee injury kept him from that dream. Bill graduated from U Mass Amherst in 1979 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.  He worked for Raytheon for over 30 years; but was looking forward to retirement and further adventures.  He volunteered for the Boy Scouts and spent many a sleepless night lying on the ground on one of Troop 267’s famous camping trips which usually involved rain. One of his proudest moments was when his son Andrew was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.

Billy Boy was a dedicated son, loving husband, and caring father. He always put family above himself and strove to make their lives as comfortable as possible whether it was taking a child to the doctor at midnight before a holiday for a sickness or spending an entire summer’s worth of weekends renovating a house.  He told us all he loved us via his labors.

Bill leaves his wife, or as he frequently called her, “My love, my life, my very reason  for living” of 37 years  Jeanne (Carlisle),  daughter Victoria and her significant other Jonathan Staples,  son Andrew and his significant other Kate Filanoski, his brothers Gerald Russell and Frederick Russell and his significant other Jessica Herrink, in-laws Elizabeth Beaulieu, William and Stephanie Carlisle, Michael and Cheryl Carlisle, James and Donna Carlisle and Laurie Carlisle along with many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Genevieve and Frederick Russell as well as brothers- in-law Mark Beaulieu, Daniel Carlisle and Stephen Carlisle.

In keeping with Bill’s motto, pour yourself a drink (remember, nothing cheap!), light up a great cigar and wish him well on his next journey.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Troop 267 Campership Fund, c/o Patrick Hargreaves, 12 Ridgeview Ave. Salem NH to allow young men to attend summer camp that wouldn’t be able to due to financial reasons.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday February 17, 2019 from 2pm to 6pm at the Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  Funeral services will be on Tuesday February  19 at 10:00am at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence.  To leave an on online condolence, please visit  Bill’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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