Obituary of Leonard J. Russell, Sr.

Leonard J. Russell, Sr. PEABODY – Leonard J. Russell, Sr., 81, beloved husband of Anne M. (Cunniff) Russell, died peacefully on Sunday May 28, 2017 at the V.A. Medical Center in West Roxbury, following an extended illness. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rose (Lucey) Russell and was a lifelong resident of the city. He graduated from Peabody High School, and attended Salem State College. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army and stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Mr. Russell worked for the City of Peabody as a custodian in the public schools. He was assigned to elementary schools from 1966 to 1971, then was at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School for 28 years from 1971 to 1999. He was retired the last 18 years. Lenny enjoyed playing sports while growing up, reading about military history, and spent time working at The Meadows Golf Course in Peabody during his retired years. He was a longtime communicant at St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. Also, he took up cooking and his family appreciated a home-made breakfast or dinners at his home. He is survived by his wife Anne M. (Cunniff) Russell of Peabody, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage; a daughter Amy N. Russell-Yun of Harrisonburg, VA; a son Leonard J. Russell, Jr. of Peabody; three grandchildren, Kasey Yun, Emma Yun, and Liam Yun all of VA; a sister Phyllis Carlson of Texas; two brothers, Joseph C. Russell, retired Peabody Dept. Fire Chief, and Richard “Dick” Russell both of Peabody, and many nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late William Russell, John “Jack” Russell, and Thomas Russell. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday June 2, 2017 at 10 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody, and walk next door for his Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home, at 20 Church St. Cremation will follow the Mass with urn burial in Oakdale Cemetery in Middleton next month. Memorial donations may be made to the PVMHS Scholarship Fund, 485 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for online obituary & sign condolences.