Frederick "Fred" Roy Russell

Frederick "Fred" Roy Russell, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026 at Park West Hospital in Knoxville, TN. Born in Dedham, MA on May 3, 1935, Fred was the son of Josephine and George Russell.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy (naval reserve submarine service) in New London, CT and proudly served from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1961. He married his sweetheart Jean Demers at St. Anne Parish in Readville, MA on April 19, 1954. Fred worked hard throughout his life to support his family, often working two to three jobs, including work as a pizza chef at The Wings in Norwood, MA during the 1960s. He retired from Kelek Company/Cooper Industries after 40 years of employment, having worked in many roles, including manufacturing, foreman, facilities engineer and safety engineer.

Fred always enjoyed spending time with his family and some of his fondest memories were vacationing in different parts of the country with his children and grandchildren. He loved local cuisine, whether it was seafood (lobster and clams) on Cape Cod, venison in the Berkshires, chicken fried steak in Texas, or ribs and brisket in Tennessee; in the company of his family, nothing was better. When at home, he was an avid reader, liked working in the garden, cheering on the Red Sox with his wife Jean, and tinkering with a multitude of home projects.

All his life, Fred loved the sea, the water; loved to swim. Even in his senior years, he was able to swim on Cape Cod, at Holden Beach North Carolina and lastly at the age of 86, swam with his son and daughters from the deck of Fred Jr’s pontoon boat on Tellico Lake, TN.

Those left to cherish memories of Frederick include his beloved wife of 72 years, Jean Russell; his son Frederick Russell Jr.; daughters: Deborah Gulotta, Suzanne Green and Valerie Goldston; daughter in law Kelly Russell and son in law William Gulotta; grandchildren: Brian and Daniel Gulotta; Ashley Russell and Lauren Trainor; Stephanie Olivier and Tiffany Green; Matthew and Dustin Goldston; and his many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by grandson Brandon Goldston.

Dad will be deeply missed. A private family service will be held at a later date.