Donald Russell Sr.

June 15, 2021

Donald Russell Sr. died peacefully on June 15, 2021 in Savannah, Georgia at the age of 88. He was born in Stratford, Connecticut to Ruth and Ben Russell. He graduated from Stratford High School and Boston University and was subsequently inducted into the hall of fame of both institutions. As a student- athlete of the highest order while at Boston University, he was a double major and a recipient of the Scarlet Key, the school’s highest academic distinction. He was also captain of BU’s basketball and baseball teams. He met and married Marilyn Edwards while traveling and playing baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. After having their first two children, they returned to Stratford to raise their family. As a lifelong athlete and lover of sports, Don played softball for the National Champion Raybestos Cardinals and always remained active in a variety of sports, both as a player and coach. Don dedicated a great deal of his time to area youth leagues.

His Christian faith was a pillar for his life and was very involved in the local church activities.

He was a loving father who shared outdoor and game time with his children, sparking their interests in gardening and wildlife as well as encouraging a passion for sports. He had an appreciation for music, playing the piano and organ, which exposed the family to a variety of musical styles. As a very engaged grandfather, he spent many happy hours attending recitals, plays, little league games, tennis matches, school events and other activities.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Marilyn L. Russell, and five children: Teri Russell, Kim Miller, Don Russell Jr., Richard Russell and Amy Van Eck. He will be missed tremendously by them and his seventeen grandchildren. He also leaves behind nine great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He predeceases his sister, Jean Vitko of Dover NH.

A private burial service will be held on July 25th.