Homard Terry Russell

Homard Terry Russell, 96 of North East, MD, died Sunday, November 23, 2014 of natural causes at his daughter Rebecca’s home, surrounded by his loving family.  A lifelong resident of Cecil County, he was born in North East on February 17, 1918, the son of the late John S. Russell and the late Georgianna Kline Russell.  He was the husband of the late Geraldine Carney Russell of Burlington, KS, who died December 24, 2005.

He is survived by his loving children: John Russell and wife Debbie of Middletown, DE, Dennis Russell of Newark, DE, Rebecca Russell Wagner and husband Bob of Galena, MD, Sarah Russell Delaney and husband Martin of Baltimore, MD, Thomas Russell of Wichita, KS, Bridget Russell Senecal and husband Alex of Bowie, MD; grandchildren: Brad, Erin, Michael, Chrystina,  Bobby, David, Jack, Brendan, Patrick, Dennis, Rebecca, Bridget, Thomas, Kathleen; and great grandchildren: Liam, Donovan, Alanya, Madylan, Alyssa, Megan, Nick, Mike, Nathanial and Jackson.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 1 brother: Matthew Russell and 4 sisters: Leora Russell, Mary Russell Edmanson, Myrtle Russell Deamond and Lillian Russell Smith.

During WWII, H.T. served his country admirably in the US Navy, from 1941-1945.  Known for his striking blue eyes and beguiling grin, H.T. met and charmed his future wife, Geraldine Carney, a Navy Chief Petty Officer, in Washington, D.C.  They were married in the spring of 1946 and returned to North East to begin their life together.  H.T. began working for the Pennsylvania Railroad where he progressed from fireman to engineer and eventually retired from Amtrak in August of 1983.

A tireless worker H.T. opened a country store in 1956, even as he continued to work on the railroad.  With its’ iconic Hershey’s Ice Cream sign (which stands to this day), pot-belly stove, candy counter, and fire-engine red soda machine, the store provided hours of delight for the neighborhood children.

A friend to those in need, H.T. transported voters to the polls, visited those who were ill and stood beside those facing social injustice.  He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the North East High School Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 588, North East, MD  21901.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at11:00 am at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD, where the family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 am until service time.

Interment with full military honors will follow services in Bay View Cemetery, North East, MD.

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