RUSSELL, JOHN "SONNY" - The death of Mr. John Edwin “Sonny” Russell husband of Evangeline “Vange” (Hanley) Russell of Newcastle, NB, occurred on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital at the age of 100. Born in Newcastle, NB, he was the son of the late Perley and Minnie (Sweezey) Russell. Sonny was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, a retired Tailor/Dry Cleaner who owned and operated Russell’s Dry Cleaners for many years. He was a member of the local Curling and Golf Clubs, Town of Newcastle Councilor and past member of the Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Dry Cleaners Association and past president of the First Home and School Association in Miramichi Area. A special pastime was his garden where he spent many hours tending his prized tomatoes. Besides his wife: Sonny is survived by: three daughters: Brenda Russell; Nancy Jill Smith (David) all of Newcastle, NB; Carol Michaud (Gilles) of Douglasfield, NB; one son: John of Douglastown, NB; seven grandchildren: Matthew Russell (Angy), Alexis Smith (Scott Carson), Laura Smith (Dave Roy), Greg Smith and John, Debbie and Michael Russell; six great grandchildren: Ainsley, Anson, William, Luke, Tristan and Neve and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Sonny is predeceased by: daughter: Jean; sisters: Alice and Loris and brother: Lloyd.
The family will receive visitors at Bell’s Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Newcastle on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 11 AM with Father Tom Fowler officiating. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Cemetery later in the spring. In Sonny’s memory, donations may be made to the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home or St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Restoration Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Bell’s Funeral Home, 651 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB. Telephone: 506-622-3600.