CHATHAM – George Russell Hall, 91, of Chatham and Brewster passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family on April 2, 2012. Born December 14, 1920 in Hopedale, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Mavis White. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley. Russ was a devoted husband, loving father, and son.
Russ served in the US Navy from 1942-1945 as a 1st Class Pharmacist Mate, essentially running a 57 bed hospital serving 2,000 men in Newfoundland. As a Navy medic he performed many intricate medical procedures. He counseled sailors before they were discharged and helped them in their reentry to civilian life. He was a 32nd degree Mason.
Russ attended high school in Uxbridge, MA. He was a student at the Bulova, Hamilton, and Waltham Watch and Clock Schools. He attended Gemological Institute of America for Gemology and Jewelry Design and graduated as a gemologist and jewelry designer. He was the owner of Hall’s Jewelry store in Clermont, FL, sold the business and moved to Chatham in 1958. He became the manager of Chatham Jewelers for 30 years and retired in 1988. His artistic talents involved painting, china painting, scrimshaw, bird and animal carving.
Russ’s life outside of his profession was primarily filled with helping a wide range of people. He was motivated by the example of his mother who received an award for her work with the handicapped at the Grafton State Hospital. His goal for all the people he came in contact with was to help them take advantage of their opportunities and maintain a positive attitude. He accomplished his goal through his work as the Sunday School Superintendent of the Chatham Congregational Church and as director of the YMCA of Cape Cod.
Russ accomplished many projects while serving as President of Central Cape Kiwanis as well as the Scholarship Foundation which he served on as a member of the Board of Directors. In his retirement he conducted craft classes for members of the Chatham Retirement Center. Russ was an avid golfer and member of the Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster.
Besides his wife Shirley, he is survived by his two sons; Ron and Julie Hall of Centerville and Bill and Neusa Hall of Zephyr Hills, FL; a sister Blanch Taylor of Milford; three stepchildren, Gregory and Greta Page of Burke, VA Jonathan and Joanne Page of Harwich Port, and Patricia Page and Bob Black of Brewster; 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son James in 1968.
A memorial service will be held at 11am at the First Congregational church of Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Brewster Fire and Rescue, 1657 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 or to Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18