Russell Joseph Minott Sr.

Russell Joseph Minott, Sr, resident of Cary, NC, formerly of Greenfield and Shelburne, MA.; passed away October 2, 2011 at the VA Medical Center in Durham, NC Mr. Minott was born on October 21, 1921 in Greenfield, MA, the son of the late Ivan C, and Hazel E. (Monteith) Minott.

Russ attended schools in Greenfield and Deerfield Academy before enrolling in and graduating from Valley Forge Military Academy. An avid downhill skier and ski jumper Russ joined the 10th Mountain Infantry Division Ski Patrol during WWII. During the war he was first stationed in the Aleutians and later in Italy, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Russ was very appreciative of his recent participation in an Honor Flight to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. After the war Russ joined the family business Minott Printing and Building Company in Greenfield, later becoming President of the company. During his tenure as president, Minott Printing was a staunch supporter of Minott Printing Little League and other community charities.

Russ was a very active member of the Greenfield Kiwanis Club, joining in 1947, serving as President and on the Board of Directors. He was also a member, and Treasurer of The New England Printers Association. The Greenfield Club and numerous other community organizations. Russ, enjoyed cooking and found participating in the first New England Campers Association cooking contest great fun. While living in Cary, Russ was a member of the Senior Men’s Golf League and the Kirk of Kildare Presbyterian Church. He also volunteered at the Cary Library and the Cary Senior Center.

Russ was married to the late Naomi Babson (Rikert) on October 2, 1942, Naomi died November 1, 1969. He later married the late Marcia (Ingham) Burgess. Survivors include his three daughters, Penelope “Penny” Cocking and her partner William Cleary of Summerville, SC, Candace “Candy” Diggins and her husband Brian of Raleigh, NC, Miranda “Randy” Warner and her husband Dennis, of Flushing, NY, and daughter-in-law Martha (Phelan) Minott Piccone of Eggharbor City, NJ. Mr. Minott is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Russ was pre-deceased by his son, Russell “Buck” Jr. and his grandson, Joseph B. Diggins, his brothers Ivan Jr. and Robert M., and sisters Jacqueline Harmon and Patricia Curless.

Burial will take place at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield at a time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in memory of Russ to Wreaths Across America at www.WreathsAcrossamerica.org or WAA, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls , ME. 04623, or to Honor Flight Lowcountry,c/o Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 12308, Charleston, SC 29422

Condolences may be sent to www.brownwynne.com