Paul Joseph Russell, management analyst
Paul Joseph Russell, 68, of Milford passed away, Friday, July 28, 2017, at Milford Hospice Center.
Mr. Russell was born Oct. 23, 1948, in Cheverly, Md., to the late Benjamin G. Russell and Margaret K. Maske Russell. He grew up in the Annapolis, Md. area, and after his time in the service followed his parents to Delaware.
He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam and was a helicopter mechanic. Mr. Russell received an associate's degree in human services technology from Del Tech, a bachelor of science degree- in liberal arts from SUNY Albany, N.Y., and his master's degree in psychology from Salisbury University. He worked as a substance abuse counselor for the Bureau of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse prior to going to Turnabout Counseling Center in the position of program coordinator. After receiving his master's he went to work for the State of Delaware Division of Child Mental Health Services, first as a program administrator, and later as a management analyst.
After retiring from the State of Delaware, Mr. Russell found great joy working as a teacher naturalist at Abbott's Mill Nature Center, instructing school-aged children. Mr. Russell loved spending time with family and friends, playing games, camping, day trips, and dinners together. He enjoyed photography, reading, computers and his many gadgets. As an active member of many organizations for environmental and social justice he was involved with service and advocacy programs in his community.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas B. Russell.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sara Howard Russell of Milford; son, Benjamin Kang Russell of San Diego, Calif.; nieces and nephews, Daniel McAuliffe III (Ann), Erin McAuliffe and Christina Russell; his beloved dogs, Sophie and Jack; many cousins and extended family and friends.
Memorial services will be held 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be at a later date in Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Paul's memory be made to: Southern Poverty Law Center- 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104, or online at www.splcenter.org or Abbott's Mill Nature Center, 15411 Abbott's Pond Road, Milford, DE 19963, Contributions will go toward Abbott's Mill Nature Center scholarship fund.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com
