Harry Norman Russell

Harry Norman Russell passed away of natural causes on Wednesday May 25th, at the age of 95 at Gosnell House in Scarborough, with his family by his side. Harry was born in Millinocket, Maine, the son of Harry Russell and Emmie D. Norman on July 22, 1920. The family moved to Portland, when he was a young child, where he attended local schools, graduating from PHS, class of 1939. Harry also attended Portland Jr. College. Soon after school, he began his military career with CMTC at Fort McKinley, training with the 5th Infantry div., in Portland. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard in Sept. 1940. After induction into the Federal Service in 1941, he transferred to the 43rd Infantry, Special Troops. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to C Battery, 43rd Div. and remained with that unit throughout the war. Harry served overseas from Oct 1942 until Sept. 1945, throughout the So. Pacific and saw action at Guadalcanal, Russell Islands, Rendova, The Soloman Islands, New Guinea, Luzon and Philippine Islands. Harry was most proud of the six bars on his shirt sleeve, of which each represented six months of combat duty. Later in 1956, he enlisted in the 265th Mobile communications Squad, Of the Maine Air National Guard, retiring in 1980. There he was awarded the Joseph Beaulieu Outstanding Airman Award, for Meritorious Achievement. After returning from the war, Harry met his future wife, Rose Ireland, eloping in Jan. 1946 to Rocky Mount, N. Carolina, as a traditional church wedding never appealed to Harry. Returning to Portland, Harry and Rose settled in the Woodfords area on Beacon St. where they resided until 1958. They then moved to the Green Acres area of Scarborough to accommodate a growing family. They resided here for nearly 50 years, raising their four sons and enjoying all Scarborough had to offer. In May, 2008 they moved to Birchwoods at Canco Rd. in Portland due to Rose’s declining health. Harry was employed by the U.S Portal Service as a letter carrier for 21 years, then being promoted to Supervisor of the Portland Branch Office, retiring in 1977 after 32 years. During his career, he received several awards, one of which being cited for, “Beyond the Call of Duty”. After his early retirement, Harry then worked part time as a carpenter for his brother Gordon, and later was employed with UNUM as a security guard. Harry often tirelessly worked two jobs to support the family, allowing Rose to stay at home to raise their four sons. His sons often noted how they inherited their strong work ethic from their father. After Harry’s “third” retirement, he became an avid gardener. His perennial flower beds were renowned for the hundreds of flowers and bulbs, of which he generously gave away to friends and family. He enjoyed the many hours he spent with his friend John Hunt, who also loved gardening. Studying and researching his Genealogy also became a passion. Harry logged many hours on his computer chasing surnames in the family tree, and again generously sharing his hard work and knowledge with distant family members who showed his same interest in the Russell Family Tree. Harry also thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of flying, taking many trips with neighbor and friend, Leon Olds, to the Auburn Airport, where once a month, Leon piloting them all over Maine. He was able to enjoy this hobby well into his 80’s. In his younger days, he spent many weekends enjoying Sebago Lake, one of Harry’s favorite places. He also enjoyed salt water fishing in the Pine Point area of Scarborough, when time allowed. Harry was predeceased by, his wife Rose of 68 yrs. Who died in 2014, his brother Gordon, sister Sylvia McCord, brothers-in-law William, Chester, Earl, and Edward Ireland, Marshall McCord, and Joe Martell, sisters-in-law Evelyn Russell, Rose Ireland, And Mildred Martell, nephews, Gordon Russell, Edward Ireland, and niece, Dawn McCord. Harry a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather will be missed by his four sons and their families, Norman and wife Stephanie of Buxton, Stephen and his wife Charleen of Standish, Jeffrey and his companion Kim of Scarborough, Mark and his wife Denise of Westbrook, his ten grandchildren, Kim, Andrew, Eric, Robert and Jeffrey II Russell, Heather Whitaker, Jennifer Dorsey, Rudy Wissley, Danielle and Derek Bouchard, and 8 great grandchildren, Audriana and Olivia Russell, Owen and Ethan Dorsey, Trent and Maeve Whitaker, and Rudy and Ryker Wissley. Surviving also are his brother Malcom and his wife Lorraine of FLA, his sister-in-law Phyllis Ireland of Buxton, and many nieces and nephews. Upon Harry’s request, there will be no service. There will be a private burial with full military honors held at the family cemetery in Buxton at a later date. Arrangements made by Blais and Hay Funeral Home in Westbrook. His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the whole staff at Birchwood’s at Canco for the many years of dedicated care of Harry and Rose. Thanks also to the compassionate staff of Gosnell House. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough, ME, 04074. To express online condolences please go to www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.