Raymond Wood Russell

CHESHRE: Raymond W. Russell, 58, died peacefully at his home on July 15, 2016. Mr. Russell was born on Aug. 23, 1957 son of the late Robert Blake, Jr. and Lois Wood Russell whose parents both resided in Cheshire.

Ray’s first home was in Columbia, CT near the lake. The family moved to Somers for his school years and made frequent visits to relatives in Cheshire and New Canaan, CT and Trenton, Maine.

He had a life-long love of both land and sea inherited from his loving family. He learned boating, mechanical and home-building skills from his grand-fathers, Dad and uncles. After graduating from Wilbraham Academy, Ray served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard. Upon discharge, he went on to earn his electrician’s license, and was employed in the electrical trade for over 20 years.

Following his grandfather Ken’s passing in 1986, Ray took up residence in Cheshire at the Wood’s property, homesteaded by Ken’s parents Frank and Ruby Wood. There he cared for his grandmother, Lillian, until her death in 1991. Over the next 24 years he married there, raised his children, and formed strong bonds with friends and the Cheshire community. Ray will be remembered to the many hearts and lives he reached through both his mischievous antics and acts of kindness. His characteristic laugh and big bear hugs will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his son Blake J. Russell of Cheshire, Blake’s mother Denise Arsenault (Mason), step-children Ryan Mason and Jamie (Mason) Walendziak of Cheshire, sister Robin Russell (Schoelen) of Vermont, niece Jennifer S. Schoelen of Cape Coral, FL, nephew Christopher B. Schoelen of Boston, MA, his aunt Marilyn (Solberg) Russell of Clearlake, CA, first cousins Audrey, Pam and Janet and their spouses and children in Maine, CA and Florida, and his loyal dog Winnie.

Raymond is pre-deceased by his wife Alyssa (Wolper) Russell, parents, sister Sandra F. Russell, uncles Warren L. Russell and H. Winfield Russell and cousins Wendy (Peroni) Russell and Linda (Angel) Russell.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, July 22, at 5pm at The First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Drive, 06410. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Cheshire Land Trust Land Stewardship Fund in gratitude to the Cheshire community and for all to enjoy. A guide to the trail crossing the Russell Family property (Prospect-Ridge – Roaring Brook), can be found at www.cheshirelandtrust.org/Prospect-Ridge-properties.htm.