Russell “Slim” Bernard Andalcio, age 66, of West Roxbury, passed on from this earth on Monday, July 6th 2015 at his home. Russell was born in Kingstown Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines on July 30th, 1948 and was the second son to Norbert Andalcio and Doris Salvary-Andalcio of Trinidad and Tobago. He was many things in his life, including an electrician, a trade union organizer, an activist for social and political change, a historian, an educator, and an academic. As a lifelong educator and community advocate for all marginalized, oppressed, and/or voiceless peoples, Russell was passionate about empowerment through education and advocating for societal change through social justice. As a historian at several colleges and universities around the United States, he taught World History, American History, and History of the African Diaspora and the Caribbean. A polymath, Russell also taught mathematics and science. Many people, including his university students and peers, described him as a brilliant orator and writer. He also was quietly a creative playwright. As a lover of the arts; including paintings, and theater, Russell also loved music, especially calypso, jazz, and the blues. Russell placed in the top-3 of several music festivals (piano) and played Pan (steelpan) for multiple Carnival bands. He was always generous with his time and resources and would help anyone he encountered, especially any young student eager to learn. His life was spent in service to others. As an intellectual and activist, Russell’s ability to inspire, engage in dialogue, and motivate action on important social and political issues was memorable. Later on in his life, his will to survive and engage in his intellectual pursuits, despite many medical setbacks, was nothing short of remarkable. On his last day he was preparing to do what he loved to do the most; teach young people.
Russell “Slim” Bernard Andalcio is survived by eight children: Nkechima, Ngozi, Temana, Zoi, Sherar, Sara’o, Shamsud and Katharine. He also was the grandfather to seven grandchildren: DeAndre, DeSean, Nosizwe, Ayana, Keona, Kai, and Olivia. He was a devoted brother to ten siblings: Gloria, Norbert Jr. (deceased), Mary “Ellie”, Steve, Ernest, Marva, Johnny, Cyril, Cecil and Chad.
There will be a private last viewing of Russell “Slim” Bernard Andalcio on Saturday July 11th 2015 from 2 pm- 5pm at the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132, followed by a private wake.
Please send any flowers and memorials to Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com