Chester C. Russell Obituary (1924

CHELMSFORD- Chester C. Russell, 87, a life long resident of Chelmsford, died on May 26, 2011. He was the beloved husband of the late Betty Armitage to whom he was married to for 55 years. He was born on April 2, 1924 in Chelmsford the son of the late Edward B. and Mildred (Cambridge) Russell. Mr. Russell was a graduate of Chelmsford High School and Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts. He also attended Bryant and Stratton Business School. After graduation from Lawrence Academy, he joined the United States Navy and served honorably in World War II on the USS PC1177 during the invasion of the Philippines. He also served in Okinawa in April of 1945. Upon completion of his military duty, Mr. Russell joined Russell Lumber Company in Lowell, Massachusetts which was founded by his father, Edward in the early 1900's. After Edward's retirement, he became President of Russell Lumber and majority owner where he worked for the balance of his life. Mr. Russell was also a communicant of the First Parish Unitarian Church in Chelmsford. He was involved in many civic organizations and had a particular fondness for Lifelinks, Inc. in Lowell, Massachusetts which assists the developmentally disabled. In addition, he expressed a profound sense of gratitude during his later life to Mrs. Tracy Leedberg and her family for the love and kindness shown to his daughter, Robin. Mr. Russell is survived by a loving daughter, Robin A. Russell of Billerica, three grandchildren, Christian C. Foster, Tyler R. Sullivan and Chelsea C. Sullivan, a great-grandchild, Lucas L. Foster and a sister, Marjorie R. Hennessy. He was the father of the late Susan Sullivan who died in 1997. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday morning, May 28, 2011 at 10:00 o'clock am at Pine Ridge Cemetery, 130 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford. Arrangements by BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Lifelinks, Inc., 285 Mill Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824.