Dean Paul Russell

Dean Paul Russell, 78, of Kempner, TX, formerly of Shelton, CT, went home to the Lord on July 4, 2026, surrounded by his family at home. He was born to, and pre-deceased by, Charlotte (Tarantino) and G. Alton “Nippy” Russell on February 7, 1948.

Dean is survived by his devoted wife, Karen J. Russell (Lane), as well as 3 children: Paul J. Russell, (Stacey), of Shelton, CT; Denise Earle, (Steve), of Dayville, CT and Ashley Pounds, of Copperas Cove, TX; as well as 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and 1 on the way.

He also leaves behind his two siblings, Gary A. Russell, Bethel, CT and Leigh Russell Schultz, (Rick), of Southbury, CT, as well as dear friends and in-laws, Christa and Richard Lane, of Kempner, TX. Also leaving many nieces, nephews, cousins and old friends from Shelton, CT.

Dean followed in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, John F. Tarantino, becoming an automotive repairman as a young man. He learned the trade from Terry Sekelsky, by at Terry’s Garage in Shelton, CT.

Dean enlisted in the United States Army, serving a tour in Vietnam from 1969-1970, and participated in the invasion of Cambodia. He was extremely proud of the service to his country, as a trooper in the 11th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Black Horse, 1st Squadron Howister Battery. In the later years, he would look forward to attending their annual reunions around the country.

Following his time in the service, Dean returned to Shelton to establish his own businesses, Dean Russell’s Auto Repair and Lifetime Auto Parts. For over 4 decades Dean repaired cars for countless numbers of Sheltonites, as well as the vehicles of the Shelton Police Dept.

Dean played for the South End in the Shelton Little League, coached by his dad. He was a member of the Downtown Businessmen’s Association, the City of Shelton Parking Authority and Sutter-Terlizzi American Legion Post 16 in Shelton, CT

Dean was a kind and gentle soul who was loved by all whose lives he touched; and although he had a quiet presence, there was nothing that lit up a room more than his contagious smile.

A Texas service will be held privately at discretion of the family. A Connecticut service will be planned for a future date. For those wishing to donate in Dean’s memory kindly go to

www.woundedwarriorproject.org