EAST WINTHROP – Robert A. Russell, 93, formerly of Augusta, died Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at “The Camp” on Cobbossee following a long healthy, happy and kind life. He was born in Augusta on July 6, 1928, to the late Freeman L. and Emily H. (Coffin) Russell.

Mr. Russell graduated from Cony High School in 1946 and earned a degree in Small Engine Repair at Maine Vocational Technical Institute. He also served our country in both WWII, 1946-48 and the Korean War, 1951-52, “that Korean thing”, as he always referred to it.

He worked for the US Postal Service for 30+yrs. He retired as Assistant Postmaster and was thought of as a fair and funny boss who did whatever was needed in the moment regardless of his position. In his 70’s he worked for St. Michael Parish School as the janitor where he was known as “Mr Man” and “Bob the Builder” to many and “Grampa” to five.

Bob can be credited with helping many learn to skate on the ice rink he created annually on Dayton Street. Bob’s patience with those learning to water ski is legendary. He warmly volunteered his time, never turned away from a project and helped countless people. He would paint, paper, plant, move, clear land, remove snow, mow, do dump runs, move people and even once helped dig a septic field by hand on an island. He did these things because he enjoyed the company of friends and understood the value of service as love. Puttering in his workshop creating wooden puzzles and toy chests for family and friends brought him great pleasure. In his later years he was given the moniker “Welch’s PT DPW Bob Russell Supt”.

Mr. Russell was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Margaret A. (Dunn) Russell; his brother, David F. Russell and his sister, Barbara J. Russell; and many beloved pets.

He is survived by his children, Ann Russell (Harold E. Perry, Jr.) of Augusta, E. Jane Landry (Stephen) of Augusta, James L. Russell (Shannon Mason) of Whitefield, and Margaret A. “Meg” Russell of East Winthrop; five granddaughters, Rachael Landry, Katherine (Landry) Colasante (Dr. William), Molly Russell, Margaret “Maggie” Russell and Emily Russell; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, a dog and two cats.

The family would like to thank Kami Kenney and Dawn Martin for their excellent friendship, care and concern, as well as various other caregivers.

Following cremation, relatives & friends may visit on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 2-4 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A graveside service will be held in the spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Western Ave., Manchester.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to:

Macular Degeneration Research at BrightFocus Foundation

22512 Gateway Center Dr.

Clarksburg, MD 20871 or

Friends of Cobbossee Watershed at https://watershedfriends.com/donations/donate/

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