Brandon Lawrence Russell

He was born in Keene, NH, December 11, 1986 to Danny L. Russell, and Tammy E. (Sears) Dwyer. A lifelong resident of Keene, he was a 2005 graduate of Keene High School. While in high school, he participated on the football and track teams.

He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Keene State College in 2011. Following graduation, he began his career in elementary education and was a teacher at the Grafton (VT) Elementary School.

He loved his family, friends, students, community and to serve others. One of the happiest days of his life was the day his brother Nick was born. Their love grew exponentially with each passing day. His volunteer work spanned his lifetime, beginning at an early age at the Monadnock Humane Society in Swanzey, to college where he performed missionary work in Haiti and as a teacher where his evenings and weekends were booked with chaperoning dances and attending students’ sporting events to cheer them on.

His intelligence and unquenchable thirst for knowledge made for many evenings where he reigned victorious as the Jeopardy champion. His joys included reading, trivia, fantasy baseball, and map collecting. Brandon believed strongly in equal rights for all human beings and worked in his classroom to instill this with his students. To that end he would stand up for anyone he felt was being treated unjustly. He led by example. Brandon was a true gentleman.

He is survived by his parents, Tammy E. and Tad Dwyer of Keene, Danny L. Russell of Marlborough, NH; a brother, Nick Dwyer of Keene; his girlfriend, Morgan Mason of Milford, NH; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Winfield and Doris Russell.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 5th from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Brandon’s motto was “Go Big or Go Home.” He lived his life in full color and in his honor, those in attendance are encouraged to wear bright colors if they wish. Burial will be private. A ceremony in celebration of Brandon’s life, led by his dear friend Jane Rokes, will be held at a date and location to be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Brandon Lawrence Russell Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Martha Curtis, Savings Bank of Walpole, 84 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431. Brandon’s fund will provide scholarships to students in need, on an annual basis.