John Leighton Russell

Some people leave behind accomplishments. John Leighton Russell (78) left stories, laughter, beautifully restored cars, and people who were better for having known him. He was, quite simply, the best of the best.

Son of the late Edwin and Gertrude (Leighton) Russell, John was raised in Scituate, Massachusetts, and carried a lifelong love of the sea and his hometown. He was a gifted writer and oil painter, capturing familiar shores in treasured paintings.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served as a Corporal with the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in action and was honorably discharged in 1969. John rarely spoke about his time in Vietnam or the experiences he carried home, preferring to leave that chapter of his life largely private. He did, however, make a point of sharing his perspective on his service with each of his nephews before they entered the military.

John built a long career as an electrician with Bennett Electric and was a proud member of IBEW Local 103. He loved to golf, ride his Harley, and restore classic cars. His final projects were a 1967 Pontiac Firebird convertible and a 1957 Chevy Bel Air. He also enjoyed time with good friends and a few adult beverages at the Gannett Grill.

For much of his life, John was a committed bachelor—until he met Michaele. She was everything he had waited for, they were a perfect couple. Michaele was his world, and his love and devotion to her was unmistakable. Married for 25 years, they built a life full of affection, laughter, and adventure. Their winters in Florida—and the annual drives south and back, were the backdrop to many a comedic story and marital lore which provide our family with wonderful memories and much laughter.

His summer reunions brought generations together for poolside cannonballs, food fests, and memories to last an eternity. Never the grill master, he preferred to sample and provide his nod of approval. For many of us, the years were marked by reunion antics and John's latest sports car, truck, Harley, or restoration project. He made life more adventurous, less ordinary, and a whole lot more fun.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Michaele; stepchildren Richard McCarthy of Weymouth, Holly McCarthy of Plymouth, and Michael and Kim McCarthy of Scituate; and grandchildren Devin, Jake, Hayley, and Brooke McCarthy. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law Mark Lydon of Marshfield, Richard Clifford of CT; sisters-in-law Theresa McInerney of Marshfield, Barbara Russell of Plymouth, Sabra Ladd of Chester, MD; and many nieces and nephews, including the grands and greats. He was predeceased by his siblings Edith A. (Russell) Ladd, Carl E. Russell, Nancy E. (Russell) Lydon, and his brother-in-law Richard B. Ladd.

Rest easy, Johnny. Though the road ahead now carries you beyond our sight, your spirit rides on in every laugh, every story, and every open highway. Save us a seat, keep the Harley running, and know that we will carry you and your love with us until we meet again. What a beautiful ride it has been.

A Visitation will be held on from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. on November 28, 2026 at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, Massachusetts 02066. Graveside service to immediately follow at Cudworth Cemetery, Cudworth Road, Scituate, Massachusetts. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to DAV, Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org or to Gary Sinise Foundation at https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org/give