Russell G. Blakeslee

Russell Gray Blakeslee, 92, of Lebanon, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Born February 27, 1929 in Norwich, CT; he was a son of the late Wallace and Delia (Gray) Blakeslee. Russell was a graduate of Uconn and worked for several years as a farmer in Lebanon. While attending Uconn he married the late Helen J. Grabber in August of 1948; the couple shared 70 years of marriage until she predeceased him in 2019.  Russell cofounded a company called Valley Associates, where he worked as a system’s analyst until he went to work for Durham Manufacturing until his retirement in 1996. He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon, where he was also a member of the choir. He was a 50 year member of the Masons, Wooster Lodge #10 Colchester.  In his spare time Russell was an active member of the Lebanon community, some of his notable involvements include being a member on the Board of Selectman, the Republican Town Committee, the Board of Education, the Board of Tax Review, The Board of Finance, former president of the Historical Society, a charter member of Community Chorus, member of the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department, Lebanon Guild of Arts & Crafts, and was also named citizen of the year in 2009. However, all of these paled in comparison to his true achievement in life which was getting a hole in one while golfing at The Orchard View Golf Course in Newport, Maine. He will be forever loved and remembered by his family Frank (Amy) Blakeslee of Lebanon, Laurene (Thomas) Clark of Corinna, ME, and Sandra Blakeslee and spouse Linda Finelli of Lebanon; his brother Douglas (Beverly) Blakeslee of Lebanon; grandchildren Robert, Diana, TW, Jesse, Terra, Kyle, Lillian, Emilia and Helen; eleven great-grandchildren and one Great-great-grandchild; and numerous other extended family and friends. In Addition to his parents and wife, he is predeceased by his son Kevin Blakeslee, and siblings Wallace Blakeslee, Jr. and Burtis Jassen.  Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 25 from 4-6 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT 06415. A memorial service will take place the following day, Sunday, September 26, at 1:30 PM, directly at the First Baptist Church of Lebanon, 694 Trumbull Hwy, Lebanon, CT 06249. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations made in Russell’s memory to the Lebanon First Baptist Church. (www.firstbaptistchurchlebanonct.org) For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.

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