Donald Merrill Russell Jr.

Donald Merrill Russell, Jr., 90, passed away peacefully at Webster at Rye Assisted Living Community, Rye, NH after a short period of declining health. He was born January 27, 1931 in Portland, Maine to Donald Merrill and Helen Kilborn Russell.

Don graduated from Grosse Pointe South (Michigan) High School in 1948 and Bowdoin College in 1952. While at Bowdoin he developed quite a reputation for innovation and persistence as he was one of only a few at the time, including Admiral Perry, that had earned their freshman class early privileges by placing a class beanie atop the church spire. Unlike his predecessors, Don accomplished the feat from the ground. Upon graduating from Bowdoin, Don attended the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI where he was commissioned as an Ensign and received orders to Electronics Officer School in San Francisco.

He married Dorothy E. Burton of Wenham, MA in October 1952 whom he met while she attended Westbrook Junior College. After a small ceremony at Christ Church in South Hamilton, MA, the young couple started their honeymoon and embarked on a cross-country road trip, their first life journey. Ensign Russell was subsequently assigned in 1953 as Electronics Officer to the USS Myles C. Fox (DD-829), laid down and launched by BIW in 1945, and homeported in Newport, RI. While onboard, the vessel made several lengthy deployments in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea, which included the transit of the Panama Canal and the crossing of the Equator. Never one to miss an opportunity, he frequently returned to Newport with a modest piece of jewelry from a distant port for his young wife. When in Italy in 1955 he had an artist paint a portrait of his wife from a picture he carried in his wallet. The portrait remained a centerpiece in each of their homes. Don remained in the Reserves after his active-duty service, retiring after 22 years a Lieutenant Commander, and proudly wearing a Navy ballcap whenever outside. He spent more than 30 years as an electronics engineer and manager responsible for several groups including quality control and new product planning for GTE Sylvania. After an early retirement from GTE, Don continued to work the next several years for smaller and more nimble electronics and semi-conductor companies in the Boston area, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Don and Dot were blessed with three children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great grand-children. They relocated several times for Don’s work, raising their family in Newport, RI, Woburn, MA, Lynnfield, MA, Warren, PA and Topsfield, MA. After Dot’s passing in 1998, Don moved to Falmouth, ME to be closer to family. Donald was predeceased by his wife of 46 years and his younger brother Phil of Abington, PA. He is survived by his three children: Ellen H. Incillo and her husband John of Simsbury, CT; Burton S. Russell and his wife Trisha of Rye, NH and Donald M. Russell, III and his fiancee Beth Ansheles of South Portland, ME; and his sister Barbara Thayer of Bethlehem, PA.

Don’s life-long passion for antique cars had him actively involved in several clubs, including as Secretary, Historian, President and life time member of the North Shore Old Car Club where he is still remembered for his extreme attention to detail and willingness to help others. He also served as Membership Director for the North Atlantic Packard Club and was a faithful participant in the Skillins Raiders, cruising with 15 to 25 other antiques around Portland on Sunday mornings. While his cars won several awards, he mostly enjoyed driving and sharing them with others, content to see the smiles they brought to people, especially those he took for a ride.

Donald was also a member of the American Legion Post 164 in Falmouth, the Portland Marine Society, the Boston Wardroom Club and the Portland Yacht Club. In retirement he served on the Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals.

He always stressed the importance of family. When his own health declined, frequent visits from grandchildren and great grand-children always brought a smile to his face and provided immeasurable joy.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion provided by Webster at Rye Assisted Living Community and Cornerstone VNA Hospice. While Don was less than eager to move into an assisted living apartment, he was very grateful and appreciative of the personal attention and heartfelt care they provided.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 10th from 3 to 6 pm at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, ME with a service on Saturday, December 11th at 11:00 am at the Wilde Chapel, Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME. Reserved parking for antiques will be provided. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Webster at Rye, Cornerstone VNA Hospice, Wounded Warriors or your favorite charity.