HAVERHILL - William W. "Bill" Russell, 88, died December 31, 2017 at the David James Hospice at the Bedford VA after a long illness. He was the son of Robert G. Russell and Irene (Nies) Russell. He was in the Navy as an Aviation Ordnance man during the Korean War and graduated from the University of Maine in 1952 as a history major. For many years he was an insurance salesman in Hamilton. As a young man he enjoyed fishing, hunting, ice skating and enjoyed barbershop harmonizing. He spent a lot of time at his family farmhouse in N.H. He was a Civil War buff and enjoyed vintage cars. Toward the end of his life, he enjoyed watching Ken Burns's Civil War, war movies and entertaining the participants with his songs at Sarah's Place, Wingate Rehab and the David James Hospice. He spent 2 ½ months at the David James Hospice at the Bedford VA where they took great care of him and he died in a compassionate environment. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Jr. and John Russell. He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Burner of Falmouth, Maine and Janet Conant of Haverhill, MA. Four grandchildren, Jeff and Alex Conant and Deirdre and Averil Burner and two great grandchildren. Contributions can be made in his name to The David James Hospice, Bedford VA, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com