Richard A. Russell

Richard A. Russell, 66, of Lynn, MA passed away peacefully on May 7th, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Richard was the devoted husband of Kathleen (Sousa) Russell.

Richard was born January 19, 1953 in, Melrose, MA. He is the son of the late Paul Russell and Barbara (Fyler) Russell.

He was the loving father of Pauline Russell of Quincy, MA and Joeline Cournoyer of Tennessee; the beloved brother of Paul Russell and his wife, Francesca of CT; Ronald Russell and his wife, Susan of ME; Linda Grant and her husband, Peter of ME; Larry Russell and his wife, Martha of ME; the cherished grandfather of Tressina Carpenter, Emma Brown, Larry Brown, Victoria Cournoyer, Savannah Lynn Cournoyer; the adoring great-grandfather of Ellynor Carpenter- Sosa. Richard is also survived by his many sister and brother-in-laws, several nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends.

Richard worked for many years as Maintenance Director at the Lynn, Wakefield, and Salem YMCAs and for Element Care for 18 years, until his retirement in 2015. Richard was a mentor to many young people through his work at the YMCA.

A truly selfless man, Richard made sure to teach his grandchildren, and anyone who needed it, how to be a good person, and how to achieve your goals through hard work. He was a champion for the underdog, a protector for the unprotected.

With a big heart, great sense of humor, and his boisterous laugh, Richard always knew how to make everyone around him laugh and smile. He was known as “Happy Rick” to his niece and nephews as well as some of the neighborhood kids on Haviland Ave. Rick enjoyed traveling with his wife, fishing with friends, gardening, dinners at local spots like Monte’s, and spending time with his family. Most of all he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He was known for the personalized Easter baskets that he lovingly made for his grandchildren and his niece and nephew, Jenna and Dylan.

Visiting hours will be held at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with the funeral service following at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St, Danvers, MA 01923.