Douglas Arthur Russell – age 75, of Plymouth, formerly of Wakefield, formerly of Lynnfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 29, 2023.
Born July 6, 1948 in Lynn, MA. Doug was the eldest son of the late Jean (Dearborn) and Arthur Russell. He was raised in Lynnfield and graduated from Lynnfield High School. He would return to the Lynnfield school system as a teacher after graduating from Salem State College and earning a Masters of Education from Boston University. He served as an educator in Lynnfield for his entire 35-year-career, starting as a teacher in the Huckleberry Hill School in 1970 and ultimately retiring as the principal of Lynnfield Middle School in 2005. He loved teaching and positively impacted the lives of countless students over his career.
Doug is survived by his loving family: he was happily married to his loving wife Mary (McFarland) Russell for over 51 years; his son Jonathan Russell of Pacific Grove, CA and daughter-in-law Blake (Phillips) Russell, grandson Quin (14), and granddaughter Liv (10); his daughter Jaime (Russell) Balsis of Mattapoisett, MA, son-in-law Brian Balsis, grandson Samuel (18), and granddaughters Callan (16) and Abigail (14); and, his son Andrew Russell of San Luis Obispo, CA, daughter-in-law Bianca (Kissel) Russell and granddaughters Isla (8) and Delaney (3).
He is also survived by his sister Ellen (Russell) Dolan of Tewksbury, MA and brother-in-law Thomas Dolan. He is predeceased by his late brother Robert Ivan Russell.
“Uncle Doug” was loved dearly by his thirteen brothers and sisters-in-law and his twenty-two nieces and nephews. He treasured his many friendships from his colleagues in Lynnfield to his neighbors on Paon Boulevard to his newest friends at the Pine Hills.
Doug was deeply passionate about education and especially those issues that improved the opportunities of young people. He was quick with a joke, empathetic, humble, dedicated, and had a huge smile. He was always the first to offer help and had an artistic side that only those close to him knew well.
Most important to him was his family. He worked tirelessly to make sure his kids enjoyed every opportunity and he never missed any milestone, race, performance, or game. He especially loved spending time with his seven grandchildren. Affectionately known as Buppy, his Sammy, Callan, Abby, Quin, Livy, Isla, and Laney meant the world to him and he would brag about them to anyone who would listen.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the numerous nurses, caregivers, and specialists that treated Doug with such love, dignity, and tenderness over his final months.
Visitations will be held on Monday, September 4th from 4 PM to 7 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com. Funeral Services will likewise be held at Croswell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 5th at 11 AM with Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Doug’s honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Save the Children, or another worthy charity of your choice.
Mr. Russell was my favorite teacher in the entire Lynnfield school system. I well remember his sense of humor, his willingness to talk to us fifth-graders as equals, and his dedication. He took an entire class of fifth-graders on a bicycle tour of Lynnfield, and enlisted some parents (including my mother, who just passed last Friday) to cycle along, accompanying us on the tour. We cycled to notable historic places in Lynnfield, and he taught us about them. He was an outstanding teacher and a delight to be around.
Very sorry he has passed on. Deepest condolences to all who loved this wonderful man.
sgreene19@comcast.net
Sorry for your loss he was such a great guy and friend as my principal and boss at the middle school my heart is with the family Dave Russell Wilson
Doug made learning and teaching relaxed, yet focused on doing the best possible. He was very supportive of needs of staff members and parents.. Doug was judicious in his decision making, humble, kind, patient, and caring. It was such a blessing to work with and under Doug Russell. Memories of his twinkling eyes and friendly manner will live on forever.
I enjoyed Doug’s friendship and leadership in the years I taught in Lynnfield. He was always supportive and had the kids’ best interests in mind. Doug will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
Art K.
To Mary and family my deepest condolences. Doug will always be remembered as a great neighbor with a fabulous sense of humor. My love and sympathy.
Doug was a great person and had some comforting ways in the way he handled several phases of student learning. He was a student in Lynnfield, started his student teaching in Lynnfield and landed his first job at the South school Moved up to Huckleberry and the to the Middle school . We were so lucky to have a man with such experience to know all of the stages that children go through before middle school I was grateful for all the Saturdays he gave up to drive to the mountain for the kids to go skiing He was there to make sure that kids could get home in case of emergency which did happen . Thank you Doug for all your high standards and mild manner
My heart goes out to you Mary and family for such a loss
BarbaraLanzillo
Mary,
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I have so many memories of working at Worthens and you and I going into Boston State. Doug was a good guy. As we used to say on my job, he was the real deal. He had a great laugh and sense of humor.
Again our sincere condolences.
Ron and Vicki Harbour
Bermuda Dunes, CA