Robert Reginald “Bob” Russell

CASCO – Robert “Bob” Reginald Russell, 89 of Mechanic Falls, peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 16, at Country Village Assisted Living in Casco with his loving family by his side.

Bob was born July 10, 1934 in Wilton, the only child of Reginald and Anne McKeen Russell. He grew up in Poland and attended a one-room schoolhouse where he met friends that would last a lifetime. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1952, where he was known for being quite a character and prankster.

He joined the Coast Guard in 1953 and was based in Rockland. He attained a service rating of Engineman 2nd Class. Bob had many stories of this time, cruising the sea and islands of Maine.

In 1956, he married the former Diane Lothrop of Poland, and they went on to have five children. Bob was a wonderful father and spent his free time at the beach, family picnics, snowmobiling, motorcycling, or spending time with many family friends, neighbors, and relatives.

In 1994, he married Louise Kaisler and they made a home on Westport Island for many years. She predeceased him in 2006.

Bob had many careers from car salesman, insurance salesman and retired from Bath Iron Works January 31, 1996. He always had something for sale on the front lawn, cars, boats, snowmobiles, or tractors.

He was a 50-year member of the Masons Cumberland Lodge #12 in New Gloucester, Past President of the Royal River Riders Snowmobile Club, The Boghooters Snowmobile Club, Great Falls Model Railroad Club, and the Mid Maine Motorcycle Club.

Bob made a home with his companion, Chris Smith, in Mechanic Falls since 2007 until 2021 when he required assisted living.

The world was a better place because Bob was in it. His storytelling and smile will always be remembered. We all hope that heaven has a good supply of tires for his 1955 Ford Crown Victoria, lots of groomed trails to ride the 1968 Arctic Cat and lots of lawns to mow with the Kubota Tractor. He will be missed here on earth, until we meet again…

Bob is survived by his five children, daughter, Cindy Russell Yackobovitz and husband Ed of Houlton, and Bullhead City, Ariz., son, David Russell of Poland, son, Gary Russell and his wife Wendy of Morrisville, N.C., daughter, Lisa Lee and her husband David of Poland, and daughter, Holly Russell of Mechanic Falls; nine beloved grandchildren, Lori, James, Chelsea, David, Austin, Colby, Lauren, Kaylee and Brianna; three great-grandchildren, Rowan, Brody and Tyler; cousins; his former wife, Diane Cordell; and his companion, Chris Smith.

A special thank you to the staff and friends of Country Village Assisted Living in Casco for their wonderful care and making him feel at home.

The family invites you to a time of Celebration of Life and Masonic Service starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, immediately followed by a luncheon, both at Mechanic Falls American Legion Hall, 41 Elm St.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the

Greater Androscoggin

Humane Society

55 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240