William L. Russell

William L. “Bill” Russell, 90, formerly of Norwich, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Samaritan Summit Village Nursing Home, in Watertown, NY.

Born on June 23, 1929, in New Milford, PA, Bill was the son of Irene E. (Hall) Russell. He attended the Norwich City Schools, then enlisted in the US Merchant Marines as a junior engineer and served aboard various steamships from 1945 - 1949. Bill was then drafted into the US Army in 1950 and completed basic training at Fort Dix. Later, in Oberammergau, Germany, he graduated with honors from the Army’s Criminal Investigation School. Bill was transferred to the military police unit as an Assistant Criminal Investigator and performed routine investigations of crimes subject to military judication. For about three years, he was stationed in Trieste, Italy, and fell in love with the region, and its history and culture. Bill often reminisced fondly of his time in Italy. He then completed additional criminal investigation training at the University of Vienna, Austria. Not only did Bill travel extensively throughout Europe, but also parts of Asia and India, and he shared many stories and memories of his travels and experiences during these years. In 1953, Bill was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Sergeant.

After returning home to Norwich, Bill met the love of his life, and wife of 62 years, Joanne DeLuca, who died on January 21, 2017. Together they would raise their two children. Also after his return from the service, Bill began work for Norwich Public Loan, then the Norwich Manufacturing Co. In 1966, he established his own business, R.G.A. Equipment Corp., which serviced and installed graphic arts equipment in printing plants around the country. Bill continued this work until his retirement.

After retirement, Bill and Joanne cherished their winter travels together in their motor home to West Palm Beach, FL where they resided for many years after their retirement. They also travelled in their motor home to many other places of interest and sightseeing adventures.

Bill was a hard-working and caring man. He loved music of all kinds, especially jazz. Bill enjoyed photography, traveling, and being a spectator at auto races.

Bill is survived by his children, Marisa Marcellus, of Watertown, NY, and William J. Russell, of Norwich, two granddaughters, and a great-grandchild.

A funeral service for Bill will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at the Wilson Funeral Home, Norwich, NY, where Deacon David Kirsch will officiate. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in the spring where Bill’s service will be recognized with military honors.

Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.