Harry Edward Russell, Sr, of Goffstown NH passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025 at the age of 87, after a brief illness. He was born in Woburn, MA on June 5, 1937 to Samson and Bessie (McKenzie) Russell. After high school, Harry’s love for the military led him to the Air Force at the age of 17 where he received his GED and stations in both Madrid and the Azores.
While on leave from the Air Force, Harry met his first wife Edith (Guest) Russell. They were later married and had five children, Janet (Francisco) Ginja, Deborah Morrisette, Sandra (Daniel) Riedy, Harry Russell Jr, and John (Nicole) Russell.
After Harry’s tour in the Air Force, he was hired to work alongside his father Samson in Boston at a local fish market. Harry was later hired at Anheuser-Busch in 1972 where he worked as a maintenance supervisor for over 20 years. Harry’s dedication to Anheuser-Busch was clear to anyone who knew him, and his decades of hard work was rewarded with an early retirement from Anheuser-Busch in 1992.
It was during his 20-year career at Anheuser-Busch that Harry met Bonnie (Sico) Russell. They were married on November 1, 1980, and spent the next 44 years together until Bonnie passed away on March 9, 2025.
In 1983, Harry received his pilot’s license and took great pride in being able to yell “Clear Prop”, turn the key, and zoom off into the sky with family and friends. Hardly a week went by without Harry visiting Nashua’s Boire Field and taking a Cessna out for a spin. A flight with Harry was often met with breakfast at a local airfield or maybe even a flight to Martha’s Vinyard if time permitted. A return to his favorite chair back at home was met with an ice-cold Budweiser and a well-earned nap.
Harry and Bonnie lived together in Nashua, NH until 1994 when they traded the cold New England winters for the warmth of Las Cruces, New Mexico. It was in New Mexico that Harry and Bonnie enjoyed the warm weather, explored the beauty of New Mexico by car and motorcycle, and traveled to far reaching destinations like Italy and Hawaii.
Harry was an avid walker and spent virtually every morning in Las Cruces under the shadow of the Organ Mountains enjoying the roadrunners and jackrabbits that scampered about. Harry and Bonnie’s love for animals led to the adoption of dogs Charlie and Sammi and cats Oscar, Felix and Lotti. Harry also made sure the neighborhood birds were well fed.
In 2022, Harry and Bonnie moved back to New Hampshire settling in Goffstown to be closer to family and friends. A visit to Goffstown often included a game of checkers and watching military history shows.
Harry was predeceased by his brothers Harold (Margaret) Russell, Samuel (Barbara) Russell, Roderick (Mary) Russell, Everett (Kate) Russell, Herbert (Mary Madonna) Russell, and sister Anne (Don) Paron. Harry was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren Ryan, Jordan (late), Evan, Jacquie, Nicholas and Macie and a great grandfather to Luisa.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Tuesday evening, May 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a service. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com.
*A Celebration of Life is being planned, please check back for updates for this event.
