| LifeSketch |
- LifeSketch
Russell L. Willey, Jr., 70, died peacefully in his sleep at home, Tuesday, October 21, 2008.
Born in Rockland, June 22, 1938, he was the son of Russell, Sr. and Emma Ladd Willey. He was educated locally and was a 1957 graduate of Rockland High School.
Following high school he worked for a short time at a local garage and later for McMahon's Plumbing and Heating. For the past 35 years he has been employed with Redlon and Johnson Plumbing Supply as a driver and salesman. His family remembers that he was known for his "whistling" on the job, and was often referred to as the Chief Whistler there.
On September 26, 1970 Russell married Katrine "Trina" McCollum in Chester, New Jersey. The couple has made their home on their Warren farm ever since. Russell enjoyed cutting down trees on his property and splitting the wood that he used to heat his home. He also helped with the horses, cows, chickens, and blueberries they kept on the farm.
His son Neil remembers he enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing in his younger years. He was an avid reader, and took great pleasure in restoring old "make and break" engines. One of his greatest joys was his 1957 Ford Fairlane.
Predeceased by his mother and father, Russell is survived by his step-mother Hester Willey; his sons, Russell Willey, III, Kevin Willey and his companion Storm, all of Maine, Neil Willey and his wife Katrina of Arizona, James Barth of Georgia; daughters Tammy Willey and her husband Stephen Adams of Maine, Megan Bell and her husband Christian of Arizona; brothers Malcolm, William, and Harold Willey; one sister Helen Hill; grandchildren, Nicole Williams and her husband Doug, Kyle Adams, Jessie Willey, Griffon Bell, Adaliene Bell, Hanna; great-grandchildren, Adrien Williams, Nicholas Williams; a sister-in-law, Margaret Simmons and her husband, Fred; as well as many nieces and nephews.
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