Obituary for (Ret.) John H. Russell Jr. WPD
Of Waltham, passed away peacefully Friday evening July 19th, 2019 at the Royal Meadow View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in North Reading after a period of declining health at the age of 89.
Born on May 29, 1930 in Somerville; son of the late John H. Russell Sr. and Daisy (Tiffany) Russell, John was a resident of Waltham for most of his life.
John was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War.
After returning from the service, John was appointed to the City of Waltham Police Department. He was the 1st Motorcycle Police Officer for the City of Waltham and served as a Police Chauffer to Mayor Rhodes.
John was an active and devoted member of the Waltham Masonic Lodge; serving twice as Past Master before it became the Triad Lodge A.F. & A.M. Freemasons. He also served as Past Master of the Police Square Club.
He was a motorcycle enthusiast and was a Founder & Past President of Mass Chapter VII of the Blue Knights.
For over 35 years, winters for John and Nancy were spent in their motor home and on a motorcycle traveling around the United States and Canada. He loved golfing and finding new restaurants. He enjoyed keeping busy.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Nancy (Oberly) Russell, his loving children John E. Russell and his wife Geraldine (Gloddy) of Spencer; Kevin T. Russell and wife Susan (Halpin) of Bellingham; and Sharen, Karen and Wendy Russell all of Waltham; and his dear sisters Donna West-Reid of Waltham and Beverly Azzaline of Nazareth PA. In addition he is survived by his cherished grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.
Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service in celebration of John's Life in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM, on Thursday afternoon July 25th at 3:00 p.m. Services will conclude with United States Army and Waltham Police Honors in recognition of John's faithful and honorable service to his country and the City of Waltham. Visiting Hours will be held in the Mary Catherine Chapel on Thursday July 25th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Born on May 29, 1930 in Somerville; son of the late John H. Russell Sr. and Daisy (Tiffany) Russell, John was a resident of Waltham for most of his life.
John was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War.
After returning from the service, John was appointed to the City of Waltham Police Department. He was the 1st Motorcycle Police Officer for the City of Waltham and served as a Police Chauffer to Mayor Rhodes.
John was an active and devoted member of the Waltham Masonic Lodge; serving twice as Past Master before it became the Triad Lodge A.F. & A.M. Freemasons. He also served as Past Master of the Police Square Club.
He was a motorcycle enthusiast and was a Founder & Past President of Mass Chapter VII of the Blue Knights.
For over 35 years, winters for John and Nancy were spent in their motor home and on a motorcycle traveling around the United States and Canada. He loved golfing and finding new restaurants. He enjoyed keeping busy.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Nancy (Oberly) Russell, his loving children John E. Russell and his wife Geraldine (Gloddy) of Spencer; Kevin T. Russell and wife Susan (Halpin) of Bellingham; and Sharen, Karen and Wendy Russell all of Waltham; and his dear sisters Donna West-Reid of Waltham and Beverly Azzaline of Nazareth PA. In addition he is survived by his cherished grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.
Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service in celebration of John's Life in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM, on Thursday afternoon July 25th at 3:00 p.m. Services will conclude with United States Army and Waltham Police Honors in recognition of John's faithful and honorable service to his country and the City of Waltham. Visiting Hours will be held in the Mary Catherine Chapel on Thursday July 25th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.