Henry “Russell” Grubb, 93, died Dec. 23, 2010 with family by his side at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta.
Born in Wakefield, Mass. March 5, 1917, the son of Henry and Mary Grubb, he was a 1935 graduate of Melrose High School. He also served a short time in the Naval Reserves in WWII.
From an early age Russell held many jobs from working on the family farm to delivering grocery orders as a boy. Through the years he drove for a cab company and Greyhound Bus Lines, he was a mechanic, a handyman and also a milk tester for the Essex County Agricultural University in Danvers, Mass., to name a few – before going to work for the First National Bank of Boston in 1962, where he worked for 16 years as a Safe Deposit Box Manager. After early retirement in 1978 at the age of 63 he spent two years as Superintendent at a 144 unit apartment building before going on to spend five years as the first volunteer civilian lighthouse keeper at Cape Ann Coast Guard Station in Rockport, Mass. This would prove to be one of his most memorable adventures, even inspiring him to write a book about his first year there, “Thatcher Island – An Adventure With Keeper Russell Grubb.” A very special keepsake for all those fortunate enough to be given a copy.
After returning to the Midcoast area in 1986, he drove for Seacoast Office Supply and then was the mail carrier for Kno-Wal-Lin for eight years till age 82.
During his retirement years he enjoyed tinkering in the garage and taking his very special dog “Missy” for rides to town and walks to get the mail. Anyone who knew him knew he loved to talk and always had a story to tell.
Russell was predeceased in 1966 by his wife of nearly 25 years, Agnes.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary McFarland and husband David of Cushing; son, Robert Griffin and wife Pat of Peabody, Mass.; grandchildren, Russell Jones and wife Yuki of Portland, Jennifer Benner and husband Michael, Corey Jones and wife Sami Jo, all of Cushing, Daryl Allen and husband Brian of Sterling, Mass., Rob Griffin and wife Denise of Burlington, Mass., Dan Griffin and wife Pam of Londonderry, N.H. and Tammy Griffin of Malden, Mass.; 17 great-grandchildren, Ailee, Coda, Casey, Hannah, Madison, Landyn, Zach, Nick, Lauren, Maggie, Kelsey, Sidney, Robby, Julia, Matthew, Ashley and Leah; sister, Peggy Ploof of Wilton; nieces, Lynn and Katrina; and beloved dog, Missy.
In celebration of Russell’s life, friends and family are invited to an informal gathering 1 p.m., Sat., Jan. 15 at the home of his granddaughter at 85 Swan Lane, Cushing.
A spring graveside service will be held at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Thatcher Island Association, PO Box 73, Rockport, MA 01966.
Arrangements are under the direction of Smeltzer Family Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.
