Philip Russi

Jewett City — Philip Ovila Russi, 83, of Jewett City, passed from this earthly life to eternal life, peacefully, on Oct. 14, 2017, after a short illness. He passed at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 19, 1934, in Jewett City, he was the oldest of three sons. Phil attended Putnam Technical School and graduated from Griswold High School in 1952, and spent the next four years (1952-1956) in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War. He married Joan Aborn in 1957, at All Hallows Church in Moosup.

He earned an associate’s degree in drafting. He worked briefly for Plastic, Wire & Cable in Jewett City, then worked at Electric Boat in Groton, retiring after 35 years as a senior designer.

Phil was a master gardener, growing flowers and vegetables from seed every year. He loved to work in the yard, fish, play cribbage and volunteer in his community. He kept his mind sharp solving daily crossword puzzles.

He served as commissioner of Veteran’s Memorial Park and chairman of the board of the Jacques Cartier Club, and was a lifetime member of both the Jacques Cartier and Polish clubs.

Raised Catholic, he was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Jewett City his whole life.

With his signature twinkle and white beard he embodied the Christmas spirit yearround, but especially when playing Santa Claus during the holidays.

He endeared himself to everyone with his great moral compass and quick, dry wit.

Phil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Russi; and five children, Susan Russi of Jewett City, Lynda Taylor (John) of Canterbury, Mike Russi (LaDonna) of Lisbon, Barbara Sarnataro (Domenic) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Joann Engel (Greg) of Canterbury; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Euclid and Agnes (Jodoin) Russi, and his brothers, Norman and Arthur (Chi).

In memory of Phil, donations can be made to Masonicare Home Health and Hospice or to the Jacques Cartier Club’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, at Leffler Funeral Home, 30 N. Main Street, Jewett City. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct.21, at St. Mary’s Church, Jewett City.

For the online memorial, visit www.lefflerfuneralhome.com.