Philip Oren Russell, 78, of Bristol, passed away at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility, on the evening of Jan. 7. Born in Bristol on Feb. 16, 1936, he was the son of Oscar and Beatrice (Benner) Russell.
Phil grew up in Bristol, attending Longfellow Grade School, and graduating from Bristol High School in 1954. While growing up in the area, he worked at Wawenock Country Club as a caddy, the Bradley Inn, and on a hen farm. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Maine and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1958.
Upon graduating from college, he started working for the Bureau of Public Roads. It wasn’t long after that he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served most of his time in Vicksburg, Miss., where he met and started dating Natalie Letow. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, he went back to work for the Bureau of Public Roads, where he was sent back to Mississippi to work on a project there. His relationship with Natalie continued to flourish in Mississippi, and on April 29, 1961, the couple got married.
He continued his career with the Bureau of Public Roads, which would ultimately become the Federal Highway Administration, where he worked for 33 years on highway safety. The job took him and his family to many different locations, living in Maine, Washington, D.C., Indiana, and Illinois.
He retired in 1991, and moved back home to Bristol. Even after retirement, he served in several transportation capacities, including working as a consultant for the American Traffic Safety Services Association, and was chairman of a committee for the MDOT.
Phil enjoyed travelling with his wife in their travel trailer to such places as New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Cape Breton Island, as well as longer western trips. After retiring, they also spent 12 winters in Florida, Cape Cod, Jekyll Island and the Carolinas.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, James “Mac” Russell.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Natalie Russell of Bristol; daughter, Rachel (husband Eric Baker) and grandson Theodore; son, Philip K. Russell (wife Abigail), and granddaughters Miranda and Sabrina; sister, Lillian Poole; brother, Lewis Russell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation was held on Jan. 11 at Strong-Hancock Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest with a graveside service in the spring, at the Bristol Mills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074; the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; or Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility, c/o Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
