Alvin Obrian Russell was born on April 21, 1938 in the District of Elgin in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica to Inez Bonnick and David Russell. He was his mother’s eldest and only son. In his tender years he developed a passion for cabinet making and carpentry. Alvin made sure that he learned and mastered the skills from his own father. Alvin was very meticulous in his work and took great pride in the end results. There are momentos of his carpentry work for
family members to enjoy and remember him by.
He migrated to Canada then returned to Jamaica to marry his teenage sweetheart, Iona Robinson. They were blessed with their two daughters, Opal Russell and Velma Russell and two granddaughters, Roxanne Emokpae and Kayla Robinson. Rather than returning to Canada, he made the United States his home until the time of his death.
Alvin was not an avid church goer yet gospel music meant much more to him. He would be heard singing his favorite songs with or without music. He was also known for his harmonious whistling.
Although he was very serious about his work, he was fun- loving which was evident as he lit up any party he attended. He would often say “Yes man, me drop foot”. He loved to play dominoes and he did so very well.
Alvin believed in working hard for himself and for his family, his friends and colleagues. Just ask his friend and colleague Hilnac Jerome, better known as Jerome, who can attest to Alvin’s hard work at the New England Deaconess Hospital. He also worked as a Security Guard for thirty nine years at the Carney Hospital.
He retired over ten years ago and continued with his busy social life which consisted of entertaining his friends with food that he enjoyed preparing. Alvin filled his basement with music, drinks of all sorts, laughter, domino games, debates that he never lost and an overall fun atmosphere. His fun- loving spirit shone through whenever he would make jokes or pull pranks.
He gradually became ill and his health declined. He succumbed to his illness on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Carney Hospital. He is deeply missed and will remain in the hearts and minds of his family and friends.
Although we miss Alvin, God loves him more. He is survived by his wife of forty- nine years, Iona Russell; his daughters, Opal Russell and Velma Russell; granddaughters, Roxanne Emokpae and Kayla Robinson; his sisters, Pamela Grandison, Angela Richards, Sharon Tarpeh- Doe, Sheila Bonnick, Bridget Bonnick and Patricia Rodd; his last living aunt, Ruby Daley of Ottawa, Canada, and many nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives, friends and
well- wishers. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday November 10, 2017 at the Joseph Russo Funeral Home from 6-8 PM Funeral Service on Saturday, November 11th in the Mattapan Baptist Church 597 Eliot Street, Milton on Saturday November 11, 2017 from 9-11 AM. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.