William Russell Todd

W. Russell Todd (Russ) formerly of Northfield, Vermont and Duxbury, Massachusetts passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 94. His last five years were spent in Fairfax, Virginia near family.

Russ was the beloved husband of Caroline Foster Wyeth Todd. He was the loving father of W. Thomas Todd and his wife Cynthia of Olympia, Washington, Sarah Todd Gallagher and her husband Stephen of Fairfax, Virginia and Ellen Todd Drew and her husband John of Los Altos Hills, California. Russ also leaves a brother Richard Todd and his wife Kathleen of Mequon, Wisconsin. He dearly loved his nine grandchildren: Hannah Todd, Rebeccah Bare, Charles, Caroline, and Douglas Gallagher, Maggie Evans and Sarah, Nora and Kevin Drew; and six great-grandchildren: Meta and Nolan Bare, Stuart, Sally Jo and Clara Gallagher and Theodora Evans.

Russ was born in Seattle, Washington on May 1, 1928. He moved as a child to Hamilton, Massachusetts and attended high school in Beverly, Massachusetts. It was at Beverly High School’s tenth-grade chemistry picnic that he first dated his high school sweetheart and future wife Caroline. They were married on June 19, 1952, which started a life of loving partnership, adventure and service to others.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Norwich University, General Todd would go on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from the University Alabama in 1964. He began a 32-year military career following his graduation from Norwich University. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, he served as a Tank Platoon Leader in Korea and as Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. In 1972, he headed the modern volunteer Army office at the Pentagon, leading the complex and critical task of coordinating the transition from a drafted Army to an all-volunteer force. He also served as the commanding officer of 1st Cavalry Division.

From 1982 to 1992, General Todd was the president of Norwich University. Through his presidency he built a strong foundation for the University to prosper and grow as one of the most recognized private military colleges in the country. General and Mrs. Todd’s final legacy to Norwich University was the creation the Todd Lecture Series, which continues to serve the student body and the community with inspirational and motivational guest speakers.

Family and friends of Russ will remember him for his honor, commitment to excellence, diligent research on family history, his large collection of lawn mowers, and his fabulous sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Norwich University. Gifts in the memory of W. Russell Todd can be made to the Norwich University Scholarship Fund, c/o Development Office, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663.