Final Muster

Stephen E. Russell

January 14, 2025

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Stephen E. Russell
July 14, 1955 - November 13, 2024
Stephen E. Russell, 69, of Mendon, MA passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Wanda L. (Leighton) Russell. He was the loving father of Jason Russell and his wife Erin of Hudson, MA and Tanya L. Haynes and her husband Richard of Milford, MA. Survived by his cherish grandchildren Cameron and Cayleigh Haynes, Benjamin and Natalie Russell.
Stephen was born in Boston, MA on July 14, 1955, the son of the late Charles and Barbara (Gately) Russell. He is the brother of Nancy MacDonald of Blackstone, MA and Jean Brown of Whitinsville, MA. Predeceased by his brothers Charles, Thomas, Glenn, Robert Russell and Richard Foley and his late sister Diane Ethier.
He was a resident of Mendon, MA for 7 years formerly of Bellingham, MA and was raised in South Boston, MA where he attended elementary school grades 1-8. He is a graduate of Bellingham Memorial High School class of 1974. He joined the United States Marine Corps in August, 1974 and was discharged in July, 1977. He rejoined in October, 1982 and was discharged September, 1990 after receiving a career ending injuries in Beirut Lebanon and reaching highest rank of Staff Sergeant. Stephen received the Expert Rifle Badge, Expert Pistol Badge, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Master, Good Conduct Medal with 2 stars, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Purple Heart, Navy Achievement Medal and Navy Unit Citation. He served as an Infantry Unit Leader and Drill Instructor.
Stephen and Wanda were married on July 4, 1976, in St. Brendan’s Church Bellingham, MA. Stephen was in his dressed blues.
Funeral will be held on Friday, November 22nd at 6:00 PM Cartier’s Funeral Home, 151 So. Main St, Bellingham, MA. With visiting time prior to service from 5:00 – 6:00 PM, relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stephen Russell to Dana-Farber Cancer Center Milford, 20 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757.  
Arrangements are under the direction of Cartier’s Funeral Home, 151 So. Main St., Bellingham, MA. To sign the guest book visit www.cartiersfuneralhome.com 

Permalink: https://www.beirutveterans.org/2025/1/stephen-russell

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Comments 1-2 of 2

  • David Vita

    07/28/2025 02:24 PM

    SSG Russell was one of my DI's when I was a recruit at Parris Island, SC. He was determined to prepare our platoon to the best of his ability and he did. He was very demanding, yet he looked out for every recruit. I will always be grateful for his leadership.

  • Harold a thibedeau jr

    01/27/2025 10:02 PM

    I would just like to say it was my upmost HONOR and Privilege of meeting you and getting together a couple of times to talk about our service and sacrifice and what happened in Lebanon in 1983. Myself being there when the US embassy was blown up and your tour when the marine barracks was blown up. You my brother in arms are a true hero who paid a huge sacrifice for our country and I for one will never forget you. MME4 HAROLD THIBEDEAU JR. SEMPER FI!