Obituary of Thomas F. Russell

Thomas F. Russell, 69, of Peabody, died peacefully on Wednesday morning with his family by his side. He was the devoted husband of Eleanor (Cranney) Russell with whom he shared over 42 years of marriage. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rose (Lucey) Russell. He was raised and educated in Peabody and was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1959. Thomas worked as a foreman and manager of the line at Parker Brothers in Salem from 1961 until its closing. He was a past president of the quarter century club and served on many committees for Parker Brothers. He also served as a staff sergeant in the National Guard in the 101st Field Artillery. After the closing of Parker Brothers, Thomas worked various jobs as a handyman for friends and family. He enjoyed cooking and gardening and was especially proud of his Rutgers Tomatoes which he shared with friends, family, and his neighbors. Thomas possessed many strong qualities which helped sustain him and his family over the years, especially this past year with his illness, and that was his sense of humor; his up beat nature, and always having a positive attitude. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him. Besides his loving wife Eleanor, Thomas is survived by his siblings, Phyllis Carlson, Richard and his wife Rose Russell, Joseph Russell and Leonard and his wife Anne Russell, all of Peabody, and is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Jack and William Russell. The family appreciates the exceptional care and kindness of the Hospice of the North Shore and if desired, wishes for family and friends to make memorial donations in Thomas’s name to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. At the request of Thomas there are no visiting or funeral services planned at this time and following cremation, burial will take place at a later date.