FORT FAIRFIELD – Francis Leroy “Roy” Russell Sr., 92, husband of the late Doris (Lewis) Russell, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, March 20, 2011, at a Caribou health care facility after a brief illness. He was born Dec. 31, 1918, in Fort Fairfield, the son of Charles E. and Mary Jane (Reid) Russell.
Roy was a graduate of Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1937, and was married to Doris A. Lewis, June 10, 1943. Mr. Russell was also a lifelong communicant of St. Denis Catholic Church, Parish of the Precious Blood, Fort Fairfield, and Knights of Columbus Council No. 1753, Fort Fairfield, where he served in various capacities. Roy spent his working years as a potato farmer in Fort Fairfield on the family farm and after his retirement in 1984 he continued to work seasonally in agriculture. One of Roy’s greatest joys was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting trips, and playing cards with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Roy was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Doris, April 4, 2002; three brothers, Reid L., Daniel B. and Charles P. Russell; and one sister, Anna Russell Greenlaw. He is survived by five sons, Daniel G., Russell and companion, Cheri Sawyer, of Greenbush, Richard L. Russell of Frederiction, New Brunswick, Francis L. Russell Jr. and wife, Glenna, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Charles S. Russell and wife, Susan, of Fort Fairfield and Paul M. Russell and wife, Margaret, of Assonet, Mass.; one daughter, Ruth A. McCue and husband, Terry, of Greenbush; one sister, Katherine Russell Mehlenbacher and husband, Dick, of Unidilla, N.Y.; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Irene Russell of Falmouth, Mass.; 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. The family expresses their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Roy’s caregivers at Cary Medical Center and The Aroostook Medical Center.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a vigil service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at St. Denis Catholic Church, Parish of the Precious Blood, 147 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Raymond Morency, celebrant. Spring interment will take place at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held at Knights of Columbus Hall, Council No. 1753, 260 Main St., Fort Fairfield, immediately after the funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Russell to Fort Fairfield Alumni Association, P.O. Box 201, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 or Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1753, P.O. Box 827, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.