Russell C. Denison

RUSSELL C DENISON – 88, of Halifax VT died Sunday 6/24/18 peacefully at home. He was born in Colrain on August 6, 1929. He was the son of Robert and Lyndal (Cranson) Denison. Russell attended Arms Academy graduating in 1947. And graduated from Bryant & Stratton commercial school in 1949.

He met the love of his life Theresa Boyer while selling encyclopedias in Adams Ma. The two were married at the Notre Dame Church in Adams on June 23 1951. From there the couple moved to Greenfield, before settling in Colrain to raise their children and take of the family business. They retired to St. Augustine FL in 1992.

Russell was president and treasurer of C.A. Denison Lumber Co., Inc and president and treasurer of Newfane Industries Inc. He was a licensed real estate agent in both Maine and Florida. He served the Colrain Police force in several different capacities, starting as Special police  in 1959, he was then elected Constable in 1968, and appointed Chief of Police in 1971 and remained so until his retirement in 1992.

Russell was very active in his Colrain community, serving  on the Planning Board, Finance Committee, Republican Town Committee and the Franklin Planning Board. He was also a member of many different police associations.

He had homes in Northeast Carry ME, St. Augustine FL and Halifax VT.

Russell enjoyed hunting at his cabin in Maine, fly fishing in the Green River, and spending time with family.

Among his survivors are his brother Gordon of North Carolina, his daughter Marsha (Denison) Drost and her husband Herman of Colrain MA. His son Russell Denison of Turners Falls MA. His grandchildren include Israel Drost of Greenfield MA, Wade Drost of Eclectic AL, Jessica (Denison) Bordeaux and her husband Matthew of Wendell MA, Christopher Denison of Old Saybrook CT, Carroll (Andrew) Denison and wife Nicole of Indialantic FL, Katherine (Denison) Anderson and her husband Lindsey of Rome NY, Jennifer (Drost) Bryant and her husband Scott of Colrain MA, and Emily Denison of Turners Falls MA.  He also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Theresa, his brother Marshall, his sister Pauline, as well as his son Ronald.

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, June 30 at 12:00 pm, at St. Joseph’s Church, 34 Monroe Ave, Shelburne Falls, MA, followed directly by a celebration of life at the  Colrain Community Church located on  Main Rd in Colrain. All are welcome to attend. There will be a private burial at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Colrain Police Department, c/o Town Hall, Main Rd., Colrain, MA 01340

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