Russell Richard Smith
Russell Richard Smith, 65, of Ives St., Hamden, passed away Nov. 28, 2005, husband of the late Barbara Hession Smith. Born in Hamden, August 1, 1940, the son of the late Frederick W. and Gladys Crowther Smith. He is survived by sisters, June Corraro and her husband, Richard of Cheshire and Wilifred Cork and her husband, Robert of Bradenton, FL, as well as his loving friend and companion of 13 years, Faith Otto and many nieces and nephews to whom he was like a father. A proud veteran of the Navy, Mr. Smith was a member of the American Legion Post 88, past (2003) & present commander, a member of the 2nd District Command Staff, and a member of the Color Guard. He was a big supporter of our troops, especially during war time. Mr. Smith was also a past Exalted Ruler of the Elks 2224 BPOE in 1985-1986 and a former member of the Hamden Fire Dept. Besides being a talented carpenter he was an avid gardener and enjoyed fishing with his friends. Funeral service Sat., Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. An American Legion Service will be held at 7 p.m. immediately followed by an Elks service. In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 88,"Support the Troops", 3005 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, CT 06518.
Deepist sympathy to Faith and all of Russ’s family. Sincerly; Carl and Sue Jordan
I met Russ through his sister June. I have had the opportunity to read the eulogy written by his nephew Bill Cork. Russ was a man of many talents that he shared with many people. May Russ’ spirit live on by those who emulate his kindness.
I was very shocked to see Russ in the paper this morning. I knew Russ as Bunny back when he was 8 yrs old, and we used to play together. I’ve haven’t seen him much over the years . May God bless him, and keep him. Amen
My deepest sympathy to Russ’s family. He was a great Leader of our Post and we will miss him. Jim Creamer Post 88
My earliest memories of Uncle Russ are of him as a fireman. I remember visiting the firehouse in Mt. Carmel, having a large collection of toy fire trucks, and trying on his helmet and boots. I have a picture of me wearing his hat and one of his boots — I fit in it completely then. I’d only seen him intermittently in recent years, and exchanged the occasional e-mail, but was really glad I got to see him again this past spring. He was especially proud of the Legion projects he was engaged in, and happy to hear I had joined. I’m his only nephew who is also a Legion member, but my membership so far has been just on paper. I still don’t fill his boots.
Robin – My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Dad.
Uncle Russ was an amazing person. He taught me so much all my life. My earliest memories of him were as a fireman in the Hamden FD and then he started his own contracting business. I also remember those trips to Mike Mele’s cabin to go fishing for the weekend when I was 11-12 years old. We used to leave on Friday nights after 11:00 PM when Mike got out of work. He also used to take me and my brother fishing down at the Mill River. He was like a father to me. He taught me how to fish, how to use hand and power tools. He even gave me my first hockey helmet. I am grateful for the time we had together all these years and I will miss you dearly. You were absolutely the best !!! Rest in peace Uncle Russ.
Uncle Russ, I am so glad I had the opportunity to have breakfast with you in the summer of 2003. I am sorry that we didn’t have an opportunity to share more times like that. Rest in Peace, Jason
When we were all children, my family lived up the street at 14 Ives in a house that has since been torn down. My brother Bruce and I were constant playmates of Russell, whom I knew as Bunny, and his sister Wilifred. Together we roamed the fields and streams in the neighborhood, sledded down the hill at the corner of New Street in the winter and had a wonderful time. I haven’t seen him since he was a boy and was saddened by the news of his passing.
You will be missed, Uncle Russ. love, Rob and Linda Cork