Russell P. Williams, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother for 83 years passed on peacefully May 30, 2009 in Derry, N.H. Russ was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on June 7, 1925, to Samuel Williams and Beulah Barter Williams. He was raised in Somerville and spent his summers with family on Barters Island in Maine. Russ enlisted in the Navy after high school and shipped out to the South Pacific on the USS Boston to fight in WWII and flirt with the Hawaiian girls. While serving our country, he started boxing as a pastime. When the war was over, Russ returned home and married the love of his life, Nellie, on September 26, 1947. They spent the next 62 years hand in hand. Wilmington, Massachusetts is the town where they bought their first home in 1955 and raised their family there for 29 years. Russ enjoyed riding motorcycles and swimming at Silver Lake. Russ completed construction on his dream home in Chester, NH in 1984 and soon after retired from Raytheon, where he had worked for 33 years. He was then able to devote more time to feeding the wild birds, gardening, wood working, and enjoying grandchildren. Russell was a kind hearted soul who many will remember for his bowtie dollar bills that he would fold and gift you with. He worked hard throughout his life and strived to better himself each day.
Russ was preceded in death by his daughter Donna, brother Keith, grandson Mark, and great granddaughter Liliana. Russ is survived by his loving wife Nell; sons Allen Williams of Fort Bridger, WY; Garry and Patti Williams of Raymond, NH; Keith and Cindy Williams of Bastrop, TX; brother Alan Williams of Harpswell, ME; 8 grandchildren, and many friends. Russ will be greatly missed.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH. No services will be held. In celebration of Russell’s life an open house will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be donated in his name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. Arrangements have been made under the direction of Peabody Funeral Home in Derry, NH.