Mark Russell

Mark Andrew Russell passed suddenly on August 31 at his home in Eastham, Massachusetts at the age of 57 years. He was born on January 13, 1959 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Elizabeth (Grokaitis) Russell and Donald Russell. Shortly after his birth, they returned to Worcester, M.A. where they lived in the family home with his mother and his grandparents. During his childhood he formed a very special and loving bond with his Aunt Pat and Uncle Leo, and grew-up with his dear cousins, Leo, Pam, and Larry.

Mark graduated from Burncoat High School in Worcester in 1977. He began work at Form-Rol Die Corporation in Worcester. Mark often spoke fondly of his experiences there and his love for the owner, Roland Mason. During high school he met life-long friends including Jon and Mary, and many others. Some of his favorite memories were when the gang from Worcester would come to Vermont for a weekend of snowmobiling. We will always remember Candle-bra.

In 1981, Mark moved to Vermont to work at the newly opened St. Johnsbury Regional Correctional Facility. He spent his entire career working for the Vermont Department of Corrections retiring from service in 2007. He received a number of awards and recognitions throughout his career and was instrumental in working with the town to resolve early gang issues; he also helped support and establish the clean needle exchange program through Vermont Cares. Mark retired after 25 years as the Chief of Security at Northeast Regional Correctional Facility in St. Johnsbury.

In 1994 he married Barbara Kittredge-Russell. They spent twenty-four years together retiring to Cape Cod in 2007.

Mark was a well-loved, kind, and gentle man, with an intense love of animals, especially his cats Maxie and Bingo. He was an accomplished musician and preferred to spend quiet time reading or playing his guitars. He was a man of extremely high intelligence which often prompted friends and family to say jokingly, “Call Mark. He’ll know the answer.” And, he always did.

Mark is survived by his wife Barbara Kittredge Russell; his step-children Todd Russell (Shawn), Tori Russell (fondly referred to as “the brat”), and Colin Russell. He is also survived by his grandchildren Addison and Cameron Russell who lovingly referred to him as Big Poppy.

Other survivors are his Aunt and Uncle, Patricia and Leo Bachand of Hyannis, M.A.; his cousins Larry Bachand (Debbie), and Brandy, Leo Bachand (Melissa) and Michelle, Chris, and Chucky; Pam (Brian) and Brianna; Stan (Mary) and Scott, Brian, and Kevin; and Jim (Valarie).

There will be no funeral mass. There will be a celebration of Mark’s life at a later date. Contributions in Mark’s memory should be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Condolences in Mark’s memory may made by visiting http://www.nickersonfunerals.com