Austin W. Russell

Austin W. "Bill" Russell, 93, of Manchester, husband of Nancy (Washburn) Russell, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017. He was born in New London, NH on October 30, 1923, to the late Tony O. and Sigrid (Hallberg) Russell. Bill graduated from Sunapee High School in New Hampshire and also Bliss Electrical School in Washington D.C. He proudly served his country for three years with the U.S. Navy during World War II, achieving the rank of Sonarman 1st class. Bill finally settled in Connecticut at the end of the war and worked for AT&T for 39 years before retiring in 1980. Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Nancy of 73 years whom he married on January 17, 1944, along with their four children: Toni Russell and Scott Karvonetz of Wolfboro, NH, Philip and Lauri Russell, of Cromwell, CT, Martha Russell and John Welch of Buffalo, NY and Jonathan Russell of Manchester, eight grandchildren: Kimberly Dashner, Renee Simino, Sarah Dashner, Jason Dashner, Joel Russell, Melanie Russell, Sarah Welch and Noah Welch, eight great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and his brother, Charles Russell of Lebanon, NH. Bill was a longtime member of Center Congregational Church in Manchester. There will be no services per Bill's wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in his memory to Center Congregational Church, 11 Center St, Manchester, CT 06040 or ECHN Visiting Nurse & Health Services, Hospice and Palliative Care, 8 Keynote Dr, Vernon, CT 06066. Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, Manchester is in care of his arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

Service DetailsBuckland Cemetery
Interment DetailsBuckland Cemetery