Robert Allan Russell, Sr, 85 of Abell, MD passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 24, 2025, at the Hospice House in Callaway, MD.
He was born on June 26, 1939, in Leonardtown, MD to the late William Paul Russell, and Sarah Elizabeth Russell (Mattingly).
Bob grew up in Mechanicsville and Abell, MD with his twin brother Bill Russell. He attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from Ryken High School in 1957 as part of the first graduating class. He continued his education at the University of Maryland earning a B.S. and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering. Bob began his career through the Patuxent Plan Program as an Engineering trainee at Patuxent River, MD. Bob held many senior level positions throughout his career which spanned over 41 years of government service, retiring as the Technical Director of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS). During his federal government career, Bob was appointed to the Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development (AGARD) under the umbrella of NATO. This brought many travel opportunities for Bob and Ella May. He continued his engineering career by working as a government contractor until recently.
On September 19, 1964, he married Ella May Hammond in Ellicott City, MD. After marrying they resided in Abell, MD for nearly 60 years before Ella May preceded him in death on June 26, 2023. Bob and Ella May were blessed with three children whom they adored. They enjoyed traveling together visiting numerous European countries. They also enjoyed travelling within the U.S., especially to the Homestead in Hot Springs, VA which they did annually and to their condo in North Myrtle Beach, SC with their children and grandchildren. Bob was an avid golfer with a standing Saturday tee time at Breton Bay Golf & Country Club. He loved to talk about his four grandchildren and was very proud of them.
He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue where he served as a lector and a Eucharistic Minister. Bob served numerous organizations in St. Mary’s County including, MetCom, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, St. Mary’s Ryken High School (St. Francis Xaverian Society Pillars of the Community), Seventh District Optimist Club (Charter Member), Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight), and the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation (President for four years).
He is survived by his children, Melissa Ann Dicken of Salisbury, MD, Robert Allan Russell, Jr. (Jenny) of Abell, MD, and Andrea Maria Alderson (Mike) of Coltons Point, MD; twin brother, William “Bill” Paul Russell of Leonardtown, MD; four grandchildren, Sean Russell Alderson, Sophie Elizabeth Russell, Andrew Michael Alderson, and Chloe Lynn Russell, and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21340 Colton Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Bushwood, MD
Pallbearers will be Andrew Alderson, Sean Alderson, Col. Matt Russell (USA, Ret.), Mark Russell, Michael Hammond, and Eric Beitzell. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Seventh District Optimist Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Seventh District Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609, and Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.