Powers, Russell H.
With the greatest sadness, we announce the death of Russell Harry Powers of Newington. For 18 months he fought a valiant battle against cancer and succumbed to the disease on Sunday morning, February 25, 2024.
Russ was born on May 2, 1950, in Meriden, the son of the late Harry Glenville Powers and Elenor (Baillargeon) Powers. A graduate of Newington High School, he earned a BA in History and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. His entire 44-year career was spent at The Stanley Works, later known as Stanley Black & Decker. For the final 25 years he was Manager of Intellectual Property: Patents and Inventions. In that role, he traveled extensively to England, France, Germany and China, serving as an expert witness in many liability trials. His stories about those experiences enlivened many family gatherings! Inventive and resourceful, with a great appreciation for fine quality tools, he earned five U. S. patents of his own during those years.
During retirement, Russ volunteered three days a week for the American Red Cross, driving to hospitals all over CT, eastern MA, and parts of NY State, sometimes covering more than 400 miles per day. He took quiet satisfaction in knowing that the blood products he transported would improve the outlook for patients in dire circumstances. He also volunteered at the Newington Food Bank twice a week, discreetly handling his responsibilities and forming new friendships with other volunteers. He was an honored member of the Masonic Lodge of Newington, and was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Newington.
His woodworking projects (exquisite cutting boards, trays, jewelry boxes, flower boxes, and tables) were known for their beauty and precision. His passion for history found an outlet in building dozens of scale model battleships from various wars and explaining their significance in naval campaigns. He was a discriminating handgun collector and was especially proud of his matching set of Colt 45 Peacemakers. Russ was fascinated with the American West, especially the bygone cowboy era. He was a true Wild West movie buff and could effortlessly quote key dialogue from many famous films with perfect tough-guy swagger. Reflecting his dry sense of humor, he even wore a red “bank robber” bandana everywhere as his mask during the Covid 19 years.
Russ also shared his father’s fascination with classic cars…starting with the family’s beloved 1940 Chevy, extending through his own Chevelle Super Sport and Monte Carlo, and culminating in recent years with several trucks. He meticulously maintained every one inside and out, and preferred passengers to ride in stocking feet.
Russ leaves his devoted sister, Rosemary Walcott (Donald) of Granby; a cherished niece, Bethany Michaud (Michael) of Newington and their children, Madeline and Benjamin; a dear nephew, Andrew Walcott (Debbie) of Clay, NY and their children Julianna and Jeremy. He also leaves several cousins and good friends who supported him throughout his medical journey.
Russ was fiscally conservative and financially savvy throughout his life. A gentle, generous soul, he is leaving significant bequests to the Shriners Hospital and St. Jude’s. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Red Cross, 209 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032 or the Newington Food Bank, Town of Newington, Attn: Human Services Dept., 200 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, with a Masonic Service at 9:45 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Newington. He will be laid to rest in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. To share a memory, please visit us at www.duksa.net.