Russell Frank Lord, born on June 19, 1943, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at his home in Colchester, Connecticut, on August 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 82.

Russ, as he was affectionately known, spent his early years in Lawrence and North Andover, Massachusetts, where he was raised by his loving parents, Frank Lord and Louise Lord (née Hurrell). Even as a young boy, Russ displayed a brilliant mind and a boundless curiosity that would shape the course of his life.

At just 16 years old, Russ met the love of his life, Christine Metcalf, at a retreat in New Hampshire. She was 15. That chance meeting sparked a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, adventure, and unwavering support. They would go on to share 60 beautiful years of marriage.

Russ leaves behind a legacy of love, ingenuity, and adventure, cherished by Christine; his children Kimberly Reardon and her husband Joseph, James Lord and his wife Ana, Jennifer Czerepuszko and her husband Steven, and Joshua Lord and his wife Stephanie; his grandchildren Hawken, Darien, Radek, Sean, Danielle, Matthew, Emily, Ian, Jaden, and Kailani; and his great-granddaughter Luna.

Russ graduated from North Andover High School in 1960 and earned an aeronautical engineering degree from Boston University at age 20. His career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft spanned decades, where he contributed his expertise, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

In the 1970s, Russ was a trailblazer in the emerging sport of hang gliding, designing, flying, and competing along the East Coast from Mount Washington to North Carolina. His free-wheeling spirit also led him to explore the open road on his motorcycle and to camp in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a place he held dear. At home, Russ was a tinkerer and problem-solver, turning his garage and basement into workshops where no challenge was too big—just an opportunity for creative solutions.

Russ’s warmth and humor brightened every room. He delighted in telling jokes, savoring chocolate, and playing cards with friends. Alongside Chris, he built a vibrant community of friends in Glastonbury, Lebanon, and Colchester, Connecticut, as well as in Bonita Springs, Florida, where they spent much of the last 21 years.

Above all, Russ was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose love and laughter will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His life was a testament to curiosity, connection, and joy.

A memorial service to celebrate Russ’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT 06415. Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a service beginning at 4:00 p.m.