1934 - 2026
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Russell was the son of the late Earl and Olive Smith and the brother of the late Earl “Bud” Smith of Saginaw, Michigan. As a young man, Russell earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, an achievement that reflected his early commitment to leadership and service.
Russell was a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He built a successful career in marketing and business leadership, serving as Marketing Manager for Arrow Hart in Hartford, Connecticut, and later as National Marketing Manager for Russell Electric in Hingham, Massachusetts. In his later career, Russell became President of Bowater, Inc., a national giftware manufacturing and distribution company, which he owned and operated until his retirement.
A proud Army veteran, Russell served with the 7th Army and later the 10th Mountain Division during post–World War II service in Germany as part of the Allied Occupation Forces. During his military service, he was assigned to the Regimental Army Band, where he held the position of lead trumpet.
Russell remained deeply committed to veteran service throughout his life. He served as Commander of the George L. Wood VFW Post #5594 in Upton, Massachusetts, where he spearheaded a Veterans Affairs outreach program for veterans in Upton and surrounding communities.
Russell was also a 32nd Degree Mason. He was raised a Master Mason in Lake Lodge #189 Free and Accepted Masons in Milwaukee and later exalted to the 32nd Degree at Seneca Consistory #53. He became a Shriner and was affiliated with the Tripoli Temple of Milwaukee. After relocating to Massachusetts, he joined Montgomery Lodge in Milford, where he played a pivotal role in the nationally recognized haunted house charity fundraiser known as “The HOUSE.” In addition, Russell was an Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Jefferson County, Kentucky.
Outside of his professional and civic life, Russell enjoyed antiquing, fishing and boating, watercolor painting, and spending time with his family. His artistic talent was evident throughout his home, which displayed many of the landscapes he painted, and his creative eye influenced the products he marketed and manufactured during his years leading Bowater, Inc.
Russell is survived by his children, Todd Smith, Perry Smith, and Chad Smith, all of Hopedale, and Shawn Smith and his wife Kirsten of Oxford, Massachusetts. He also leaves his lifelong companion, Peg Rothwell of Hopedale, six grandchildren—Emily, Michael, Taylor, Jennifer, Jacob, and Joshua—and two nephews, Scott and Terry Smith, both of Michigan.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, 42 Congress Street, Milford.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, beginning at the funeral home with a procession leaving at 9:30 a.m. for a service at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 17 Congress Street, Milford. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Hopedale Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
