Bertram A. Russell
December 15, 1932 ~ December 17, 2018
DANVERS- Bertram A. Russell, Jr., 86, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family and his faithful canine companion, Gunny, on December 17, 2018 in his home. He was the devoted husband of the late Priscilla (Allen) Russell with whom he shared over 65 years of marriage.
Born in Beverly on December 15, 1932, he was the son of the late Bertram and Annabella (Mac Dearmid) Russell. He was raised and educated in Beverly and moved to Danvers in the late 1950’s. Bert served his country with the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. Bert was awarded two Purple Hearts, Marine Commendation with Gold Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal 3 Battle Stars, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea War Service, Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, United Nations Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal 3 Stars and Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal.
Bert served his community as a patrolman with the Danvers Police Department for over 27 years. In retirement he worked for many years at the Danvers YMCA. He was extremely active within his community, heading up the Toys for Tots Drive. He was a member of the Essex Country Marine Corps League and a past member of the Blue Knights. Bert was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Methodist Church in Danvers. He had been the Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade in Danvers and had been named Citizen of the Year.
He is survived by four children, Mark Russell and his wife, Maureen of Danvers, Brian Russell of Peabody, Wanda Pierce and her husband, Michael of Danvers and Bertram Russell III and his fiancé Donna Diefendorf of Salem, NH, his grandchildren, Tara, Ian and Annie Barone, Jonathan Pierce, Melissa Pennellatore, and Mary Ellen Lear, his great grandchildren, Leah, Abby, Bella, Max, Lilah, Jonathan, Samantha and Meaghan and Charles. He was predeceased by his son, Kevin Russell, his daughter-in-law, Shirley Russell and his sisters, Priscilla Roberts and Katherine Kereluk.
Bert’s family would like to thank his caregiver, Lucia Webb and the nurses at Middlesex East Visiting Nurse Hospice, Tara, Danielle, Cheryl and Jill.
Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. A private burial will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bert’s name to Danvers YMCA for Campership, 34 Pickering St., Danvers, MA, 01923 or the Middlesex East Visiting Nurse Hospice c/o Gift Processing Center, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, MA, 01805.
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Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at such a difficult time as this. Love and prayers, Alice Lipinski Tierney and family
I spent several years in Massachusetts at the reserve unit there. Highlights if my Toys for tots seasons were going north to visit Bert. Heart of gold and would do anything to help his fellow community. My dearest condolences to his family. He made a lasting impact on this earth.
Sincere sympathy on your loss. My mom, Priscilla Gilliland then, had known Bert for many years, growing up. She, too has passed. I remember Bert from Holy Trinity. A very kind, nice man. May you lean on all your happy memories, and each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My sympathy goes out to the Russell family. I knew Bert through his work as a Danvers Policeman thru my father who worked as an Auxiliary officer. My prayers are with the family, especially Mark and Bert. Officer Russell was a good and fair police officer and was hard working in his construction work he did on the side.
When I was young and fell and split my knee open, it was Officer Russell who responded. He put me in the cruiser and went and picked up my mom and brought us to Hunt Hospital. Thanks to a neighborhood kid rumor went around that my mom and I had been arrested. Bert got a laugh out of it when my dad told him. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Beth (Galvin) Boucher
Bert owned the apartment building across the way from our house when we lived in Dancers. I always enjoyed talking with him. Bert was a great guy and policeman. Much live and sympathy to his family.
You have been such a huge, wonderful part of our lives… our hearts are so very sad to have you gone but also glad to know your reunited with your love. We will forever miss you and love you bert 💕💕 💕
Thankyou for your service sir. God bless.
I did not know this wonderful man personally but I do know his daughter Wanda. He was much loved by his family and they were blessed to have him as their dad. Much love and thoughts to his family.
Dear Wanda and family, Our world is a little dimmer now without your Dad’s light here. But the heavens are even brighter with this precious son returned to all who greet him home and now dwell with him there. May our Lord of heaven reach His mighty hand down and grant you peace in this trying time of loss and grief…………..
A kind and spiritual man. We loved seeing him on Memorial Day in his Marine uniform. He served his country with dignity and pride. Thank you Bert for making Richard smile and sharing your many wonderful stories with him. Rest In Peace and May God hold you gently in the palm of His hand. Blessings, Nancy and Richard Higgins
Bert was a very kind and admirable man and veteran. He and I had been friends for many years I will miss seeing him at the YMCA also. Mark, please know that he will be kept in my thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for losing someone special in your family.
Sally Gamble