MILLINOCKET – Leonard F. “Buff” Russell, 86, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at his home. He was born Dec. 25, 1925, in Millinocket, son of Herman E. and Arline G. (Harriman) Russell.
Buff grew up in Millinocket and married Geraldine Bouchard, April 2, 1945, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Millinocket. He served briefly in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Buff then worked for Great Northern Paper Co. for 37 years, retiring in October 1986. Buff was a communicant of Christ the Divine Mercy Parish at St. Martin’s, and was a member and past president of the Millinocket chapter of AARP, as well as a former member of Millinocket Housing Authority.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Geraldine Russell of Millinocket; four children, Mary Elizabeth Dexter of Hollis Center, Leonard “Bud” Russell Jr. of Millinocket, Ricky Russell of Millinocket and James D. Russell of South Newfane, Vt.; four sisters, Mildora “Dolly” Ronco of Norton, Mass., Marjorie Mitchell of Mansfield, Ina Pinette of Mansfield, Mass., and Mary Stratton of Attleboro, Mass.; six grandchildren, Sarah Dexter, Lindsey Soriano, Mark Dexter, Heather LaPlante, Jill Cram and Amber Russell; six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Buff was predeceased by a son, William H. Russell; and a daughter-in-law, M. Frances Russell, in 2000.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Christ the Divine Mercy Parish at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 19 Colby St., Millinocket, with Deacon Dan Watson presiding. Gifts in memory of Buff may be sent to Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME
04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.