Richard R. Russell, Sr., passed away Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Kent Hospital. He was 88 years of age. Richard was the husband of the late Helen J. (Nelson) Russell to whom he shared 50 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2009. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Francis R. and Arlene R. (Macomber) Russell.
Richard proudly served his country for over 20 years in the U.S. Navy before retiring as a Seabees Senior Chief of Construction Battalion 12. He served on the USS Harder (SS-568) submarine in his early years in the military and later went on to be a member of the Seabees. He possessed a quick wit, dry sense of humor and was always up for a good practical joke or engaging in lively banter. An avid reader of all genres, it wasn’t often that Richard wasn’t without a book. He was highly respected amongst his peers in both the military and the construction industry in which he spent most of his adult years working. As a father, he taught his children to always stand up for what they believe in and to respect one another and their elders.
Richard was the devoted father of Richard R. Russell, Jr. (wife, Cheryl), Susan Parker (husband, John), Randy Russell (wife, Lori) and Ericka Alexander (husband, Robert); cherished ‘Grampy’ to Richard R. Russell III, Ryan, Phillip, Amanda, Audrey, Allison, Dylan, Ashley, Steven, Lauren, Nathan, Kimmy, Joshua and Samantha; great-grandfather of Luke and Levi. Richard was predeceased by his siblings, Bob Russell, Arlene Williams, Joan Fernandez, Lynn Matthews and Dave Russell. He was a dear and devoted friend, mentor and father figure to Josh Harrison. Richard will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A Funeral Ceremony for Richard will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 9am in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Chapel, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Interment will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are Friday, July 5, 2024, from 5-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Lung Association 55 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601 are greatly appreciated.
