Harry Russell

Harry Russell, 92, passed away peacefully Feb. 2, 2018 at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin with his loving family by his side. Mr. Russell was born in Mason City, Iowa to Harry Russell, Sr. and his wife, Netta. He had two sisters.

His love of music began in the 4^th grade when he played the trumpet in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He had a paper route through High School and played in the Mason City High School Band. After graduating, he left immediately to serve in the Navy during WWII. He was a radio technician and was in the Okinawa Invasion. He served on the ship for a year while peacemakers used it as a hotel.

He mustered out in July 1946, came home, and that very night met his future wife, Evelyn Sharp. He attended Iowa State College studying to be a chemical engineer. After finishing college, he worked for the DuPont Company at a cellophane plant in Clinton, Iowa for 10 years. Their three children were all born there.

In 1960, Harry was transferred to Wilmington, Delaware and continued working for DuPont for 15 more years. When he retired from DuPont, he started his own business making plastic bags for industry. He worked tirelessly for 40 more years before finally retiring at age 87. In the 60s, Harry developed a passion for group long distance bike tours all over the country and was a member of White Clay Bicycle Club for 20 years. He also enjoyed the arts and was a generous supporter and great friend of the Grand Opera House and the Delaware Symphony Orchestra.

When Harry was 85, he and Evelyn moved to Cokesbury Village where for two years he enjoyed the beauty of the area. He spent his last three years in the Health Center enjoying his wife’s loving attention.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Nursing and Health Care unit for their love, compassion and kindness in Harry’s case.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Harry on Friday, February 16^th at 11 am in the Cokesbury auditorium. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Harry’s name to the Grand Opera House or the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. His burial will be private.