A devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife Thordis of 41 years, his children Pamela(Pammie)Russell of Framingham, MA and Shannon Russell-Policano of Sudbury, MA from a previous marriage (Pamela Nolan Lewis), Thomas Russell of Gardendale, AL and Lori Hatfield of Fredericksburg, VA.
He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Ava Elizabeth, Nolan, Gillian, Aidan, Colin, Logan and Amelia. As well as his five siblings, Charles Russell of Yarmouth, MA, Robert Russell of Annapolis, MD, Richard Russell of Yarmouth, MA, James Russell of Sandwich, MA and Eileen Sharp of Naples, FL
Tom was born on April 2,1947, in Newton, MA to Charles and Loretta Russell and lovingly raised by Alice E. Russell in Weston, MA. After graduating from Weston High School in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served with distinction in Vietnam (for 1 year and 3 days) where he received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. Upon discharge from the Air Force in 1969 (after serving 3 years, 5 months and 19days), Tom joined the Secret Service and served as an integral part of security at the White House through 7 Presidents. Upon retiring from the Secret Service on Oct 31,1990, he worked in security for the Stafford County, VA school system and continued to work various security positions until he finally decided to truly retire in 2016.
Tom is known for things such as his strong work ethic, from mowing lawns at a very young age to defiantly retiring recently, his laugh and smile, his handle bar mustache and his ability to connect with everyone. He was extremely proud to have served this country. He had a memory for dates and event like no other (hence the breakdown above). He loved to make people smile by telling jokes constantly even up to his last moments. Tom enjoyed spending time at the Wilderness campground and Virginia Beach with family, NASCAR and Boston sports teams especially the Red Sox. Once you met Tom Russell, he was hard to forget…everyone has their own stories to tell about who he was a person and how he touched their lives in various ways. We will miss his sense of humor, smile, laugh and unique personality.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Tom touched are invited to St. Peter’s Church in Stafford, VA on September 19, 2018 from 10:30-11:30 for the visitation and to support one another, with the funeral services to follow at 11:30. Directly following, burial services will take place at Quantico National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's honor can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America or Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.
