Terry Russell

On July 1 we lost an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. Our world will be a lesser place without him. Terry Russell died suddenly and unexpectedly without suffering.
Terry was the second of five children born to Francis J. and Mary C. Russell on September 24, 1941.  Born and raised in Brockton, Terry graduated from Archbishop Williams High School in 1960. It was there in his senior year that he met and fell in love with his life-long partner, Anne Marie. He graduated from Providence College in 1964. He and Anne Marie married a week after graduating from college, raised two wonderful children in West Harwich on Cape Cod, where he was a dedicated educator and principal in the town of Barnstable for his entire career.
Faith, family and friendship were at his core. Those values engendered a sense of generosity, kindness, empathy and gratitude that informed his daily life. Terry was a giver, in every sense of the word. Patience, humor, and unconditional love were his greatest gifts. Always inquisitive, quick with a joke (oft repeated), he loved conversing with friends and strangers alike. Those skills served him well as a retreat leader in the Cursillo Movement in the Fall River Diocese for many years. Through Cursillo, he and Anne Marie formed life-long friendships that carried them through every trial and joy. Terry was at his best hosting a party – annual themed costume parties at the Camp in Plymouth, laughter-filled dinner parties in their home, and holiday gatherings.
Anne Marie was quick to plan travel far and wide for them both. Their daughter’s adventurous spirit inspired rafting in Alaska, Kenyan safaris, and the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps. When not travelling, Terry could be found in his favorite chair, book in hand, music playing or awaiting the next Celtics game.
Terry was nothing if not an educator. After a fulfilling career at Barnstable Middle School, he retired and took up the mantel of serving on the Monomoy School Committee for 13 years. Always a heart-felt advocate for education, he championed the students it served, the teachers who gave their all, and the community it benefitted.
He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, their character, kindness, and outreach to others. He applauded their educational achievements, their service to their communities, and their love of family.
Terry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne Marie, his son Mark and wife Bonnie Loedel of Harwich and daughter, Courtney Pierce and husband Derek of Barrington, RI, grandchildren, Trevor and Declan Russell and Etta and Cora Pierce, his brother, Dick Russell and wife Valerie, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers David, Frank, and sister Jeanne. He was loved dearly by all and is greatly missed.
The world is more boring without you -- Godspeed, Terry!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Family Pantry, 133 Queen Anne Rd., Harwich, MA 02645
Calling hours will be July 8 from 4-7pm at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 678 Main Street, Harwich, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be held on July 9 at 11am at Holy Trinity Church, 246 Rt. 28, West Harwich, MA.
Notes of comfort may be made to Terry’s family at www.chapmanfuneral.com.