Russell Neal French

Neighbors around the Brick Church will tell you that they already miss hearing Russ practicing piano in preparation for the Sunday morning service. Employees of the General Store still look for him to come in each day and purchase his papers. The folks in the post office saw Russ every day, too, because he couldn’t go very long without retrieving his mail; his generosity in donating to many causes resulted in a very full box each day. Russ could be seen around town going through his mail and working the crossword puzzles that, along with his practice of piano and organ, kept his mind alert and his spirits lifted. Russ regularly played for monthly Open Mic Nights. His music reached new heights in the past six months even though he had not been feeling well during the same time period.

Russ grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, with his parents and sister, Shelley; they have been life-long friends. Russ first showed an interest in music at a very young age. He began playing piano at age 4 and also played organ, clarinet, bass saxophone, and sitar. Russ had a natural curiosity and interest in learning that never waned. In highschool he was active in many things in high school, musically and academically. He was the conductor for several musical plays and concerts at NHS, involved in band, dance band, Acapella, Dramatics club and Honor Society. Russ studied at the University of Rochester and Penn State for graduate work. He was very interested in linguistics and spoke fluent French, some German and Spanish. His goal at one point was to work as an interpreter for the United Nations. His love of music became the focus of his professional life and Harrisville benefited greatly from his expertise.

Russ’s family history in Harrisville began in the 1600’s and he did extensive work in his family’s genealogy. When Russ moved back to Harrisville to care for his grandparents, he found a home and a new sense of purpose. Russ made others the focus of this life. When there was a need, Russ was eager to fill it, without fuss and without the need for praise. Russ considered it his duty as a Christian to love his neighbor and he became an activist in the past few years, advocating for justice and equality through public witness and letters to the editor. Russ was a friend to many and a positive force for goodness and kindness in our community. He would want us to take up the work that is yet to be done until the inherent worth in all people is recognized and celebrated.

A burial for Russell will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Willard Hill Cemetery, Old Roxbury Road, Harrisville, NH. Following the burial will be a memorial service at 10:00 AM at Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham (Brick Church), 13 Canal Street, Harrisville, NH.