DONALD ROGER RUSSETT, 87, of Bradford Street, North Adams, MA died on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at North Adams Commons surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born on February 14, 1929 in North Adams, MA a son of the late Lawrence and Viola (Richards) Russett. He attended schools in North Adams, including Drury High School. He was a decorated Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving with the US Army as a Corporal during the occupation in Germany. He was employed for 47 years as a signal maintainer for the Boston and Maine Railroad, retiring in 1991.
Mr. Russett was an integral part in the formation of Northern Berkshire Youth Hockey. He was a past president and board member. He also served as a long time coach for the Tomcats. He was a member of the VFW in North Adams and a member of Post 125, American Legion in North Adams. He was an avid gardener.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Jean (Bigelow) Russett whom he married on May 14, 1951. He leaves a son, Larry Russett and his wife, Jane of Adams as well as two daughters, Patricia Mendocha and her husband, Paul of North Adams, and Dr. Susan Russett-Collett of Gorham, Maine. He also leaves 4 grandchildren, Brandon and Jeremy Collett, Sarah Sawyer and her husband, Ryan, and Laura Russett; a sister, Janice Tanner of North Adams, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Marjorie Harvey and two brothers, Lawrence and Richard Russett.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A funeral service for Donald Russett will be held at the Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, WEST Chapel, 521 West Main Street on Monday February 6th, 2017 at 1:00PM. A calling hour will be held on Monday afternoon from Noon-1:00PM. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Adult Day Health Center in North Adams through the funeral home.