Alvah A. Russell

Alvah Abrams Russell, Jr. of Glastonbury, CT died December 25, 2019 at Salmon Brook Center in Glastonbury. Skip, as he was known to everyone, was born in Manchester, CT on February 22, 1927 and lovingly lived for the vast majority of his life at the family homestead on Mountain Road.

Mr. Russell graduated from Glastonbury High School, served as a navy radioman in the Pacific at the end of WWII, and received his electrical engineering degree from the University of Connecticut (where he was a member of the Phi Sigma fraternity). He worked most of his career at Ripley Corporation ending as Vice President of Engineering, and while there he invented the twilight sensor device that turned street lights on and off.  He had been a member of Center Congregational Church in Manchester and more recently was a member of Buckingham Congregational Church. Mr. Russell had a passion for gardening, photography, tinkering with engines, electronics and clocks, and in later life beekeeping.

He was preceded in death by the three loves of his life – Dora Roberge Russell, Shirley Meacham Russell, and Iris Moyle Russell. He is survived by his three sons, Lee A. Russell of Glastonbury, Lawrence R. Meacham, Jr. of San Francisco, Calif., and Jeffery D. Russell, by his two brothers Dan Russell of East Hartford and David Russell of Manchester and by numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, 25 January 2020 at Buckingham Congregational Church, 16 Cricket Ln, Glastonbury, CT.  A reception will immediately follow the service in the church social hall. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Historical Society of Glastonbury, 1944 Main St, Glastonbury, CT 06033. To leave a memory for the family please visit, www.holmeswatkins.com

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