Obituary of Kenneth J. Russell

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Kenneth J. Russell

August 19, 1930 - September 24, 2003

Atlantic News, Thursday, October 3, 2003

HAMPTON — Kenneth J. Russell, 73, of 20 Drakeside Road, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, September 24, 2003, at his residence, following a period of declining health.

Born in Boston, MA, on August 19, 1930, he was the son of the late Edward B. and Lillian E. (Quigg) Russell.

Educated in the Belmont schools, he graduated from Belmont High School, Class of 1948. He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Class of 1955, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree. While a student at the university, he joined the service, serving in the United States Army. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954, stationed in Panama, in the Counter Intelligence Corps. Returning to New Hampshire to complete his education, he would meet and later marry Anne Seidler.

A salesman extraordinaire, he soon embarked on a career in sales as a manufacturer's representative with the marine industry. He began to establish his reputation in the business community as a dynamic man with tremendous people skills. His magnetic personality and his friendly sense of humor were traits that added to his warmth and characterized him as a unique individual.

By the early 1960s, he and his wife, Anne, had both acquired their real estate licenses and formed a business alliance, alongside their marriage partnership. Busy schedules and daily routines sometimes sent them to different places, yet, the roots of their relationship kept them solely grounded and moving in a common direction during the 47 years they shared together. This loving team worked in tandem to build a strong, nurturing home and a successful, thriving business — a source of great pride for him.

His greatest joy was that of his family. He shared a special bond with his three children, Dana, Leslie and Kristen, each bond intimate and unique. Dana, his only son, shared a love of sports and competition with his father. This bond was established at a young age and evolved into mutual respect between the two peers. Leslie shared with her father a special closeness. He had always been known for his quick wit and she communicated with him beautifully on that level. The two were simpatico and enjoyed the energy each brought to the other. Finally, the youngest of his three children, Kristen, they shared that inexplicable father-daughter bond; a source of strength and tenderness. He wanted nothing but good things for his daughter. To his credit, he was not only their father, but had become their trusted friend. Extremely devoted to his family, he always found time to be there for them, even when the demands of a salesman sometimes pulled him in another direction. This sense of dependability was one of his hallmarks and his family was the loving benefactor.

His three grandchildren, Meaghan, Bryan, and Evan were a constant source of energy. Meaghan the scholar, Bryan his protege, and Evan reading quietly at his grandfather's side — each child made his world full and complete. These children never ceased to light up his life with their unique talents.

He had a passion for golf, and was an active member of the Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach. He served on the membership committee, the centennial committee, and he involved himself in the club's recent renovation project. He placed great importance on education and his alma mater maintained a strong place in his life. He was very much involved in athletics at UNH. This avid fan rarely missed a football or hockey game. An active alumnus, was a member of both the 100 Club/ UNH and of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He never forgot his years at UNH and the numerous friendships that he established while a student there. So many of those relationships spanning nearly 50 years were still very much a part of his life today.

A member of the Marine Trades Association longstanding, he was an avid supporter of the Squamscott Pony Club. He held many affiliations throughout the years, including the Seacoast Board of Realtors, the Lions, the Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Youth Association. He became a fixture in the Hampton community. He found time to involve himself in various causes, while maintaining an active role in the family business that he shared with his wife, Anne, and his daughter Kristen.

He found great joy in simple pleasures: walking the beach, treating himself to an ice cream cone, visiting his children and grandchildren, or simply sharing a story and a laugh with friends. There were the quiet moments he reveled in after a lifetime of giving.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne (Seidler) of Hampton; his son and family, Dana K., his wife, Sandra, and their children, Carlos Orosco and Jesse Orosco IV of Whitmore Lake, MI; his daughters and their families, Leslie R. (Mrs. Michael R.) Lafond and their children, Meaghan E. and Bryan R. Lafond of Hampton, and Kristen A. Russell and her son, Evan Russell Bowley of Hampton.

Services were held on Tuesday of this week in Rye, with private interment following in the High Street Cemetery in Hampton. In his memory, contributions may be made to Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833, or to a charity of one's choice.


Kenneth J. Russell

August 19, 1930 - September 24, 2003

The Portsmouth Herald, Sunday, September 28, 2003

HAMPTON - Kenneth J. Russell, 73, of 20 Drakeside Road, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at his home following a period of declining health.

He was born Aug. 19, 1930, in Boston, the son of the late Edward B. and Lillian E. (Quigg) Russell.

He was a 1948 graduate of Belmont (Mass.) High School and a 1955 graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War from 1952 until 1954 stationed in Panama, serving in the counter intelligence corps.

He embarked on a career in sales as a manufacturer's representative with the marine industry. He acquired his real estate license in the early 1960s and with his wife established a real estate business.

He was an avid golfer and was an active member of Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach. He served on the membership committee, the centennial committee and was involved with the club's renovation project.

He placed great importance on education and his alma mater maintained a strong place in his life. He was involved in athletics at UNH and rarely missed a football or hockey game. He was a member of the UNH 100 Club and of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

He was a member of the Marine Trades Association, the Squamscott Pony Club, the Seacoast Board of Realtors, The Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Youth Association.

He found great joy in his family and walking on the beach. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne (Seidler) Russell of Hampton; one son and his wife, Dana K. and Sandra Russell of Whitmore Lake, Mich.; two daughters, Leslie R. Lafond and her husband Michael, and Kristen A. Russell, all of Hampton; and five grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Theresa Church, 815 Central Road, Rye Beach. Private interment will be in High Street Cemetery, Hampton.

Memorial donations may be made to Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833 or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are by the Robert K. Gray Jr. Funeral Home, Hampton.

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