Russell Bilodeau

Russell Bilodeau, 89, of Colchester, husband of Susan Woodard Bilodeau, passed away surrounded by his loving family.  Russ was born in Meriden, CT on December 2, 1929 to Lionel D. Bilodeau and Mary Rose Houde Bilodeau.  Russ lead a nomadic life.  After leaving Meriden, he lived in Gardner and Athol MA, moved to Bristol CT followed by New Britain CT, Manhattan KS, Honolulu and Wiawha HI, back to CT in Bristol, East Hartford, Manchester, East Haddam and now Colchester.  Russ loved to go camping and fishing on weekends with his six children and some neighbors.  He never did much fishing because he was there to untangle lines.  The children caught enough fish so the Friday meals on many occasions consisted of fried fish, which everyone enjoyed.  Russ was also involved with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, PTA, and Little League.  After the children got older, Russ and his wife started traveling, growing and planting flowers, walking together, as well as playing tennis and golf together.  They spent their winters in Vero Beach Florida for the last 25 years, just having fun with many friends.  Russ was a 1947 graduate of Bristol High School and graduated from Central CT (TCC) in 1954 as a math major and taught 7th and 8th grade in East Granby.  His career was interrupted by service for two years in the Army on an island called Oahu with his wife and two children.  When he returned to civilian life, he was hired by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and studied Engineering courses at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  After graduation, he was assigned to the test and development of jet engines and worked in many different phases in support and development for almost 36 years.  He was a man of strong convictions and integrity which he instilled in his children.  He will always be remembered for his generosity, reaching out to help neighbors, especially children in need.  He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Susan; his children and their spouses, Russell (Michelle) Bilodeau of Manchester, Gary (Jennifer) Bilodeau of Granby, Greg (Kathy) Bilodeau of East Windsor, Kathleen (John) Terrill of Windham, Mark (Karen) Bilodeau of East Haddam, and Douglas (Nicole) Bilodeau of Tigard, OR; his brother, Carroll Bilodeau of Bristol; his 15 grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Troy, Renee, Amy, Robert, Kimberly, Nicholas, Alexander, Chelsea, Cody, Mitch, Kali, Allison, Madison, Jessie, and Anna; six great grandchildren, Macknzie Rose, Sara, Nathan, Avery, Audrey, Laura; and numerous extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Jake Bilodeau and two brothers, Dorsey and Ken. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 directly at St. Andrews Church, 128 Norwich Ave. Colchester, CT beginning at 10 am with visitation followed by a celebration of the funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.  Full military honors will be observed at the church after Mass. Burial will be private in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Middletown at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Russell’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com   

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