Obituary of Russell Percival

Russell G. Percival died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, June 20, 2005. He was visiting one of his favorite places on earth, Cape Cod Massachusetts. Russell had been going to "the Cape" for over thirty years, in his younger days it's where he went with his many friends, later where he, his wife Janet and their two dogs went for vacations. Russell grew up in the Belvedere section of New Britain, the third child of Helen (Reardon) and the late Howard Percival. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1963 where he was affectionately called "Moose" by his friends. He played football and participated in Track and Field. In 1965 he joined the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne as a Special Forces Rigger. He served in Viet Nam from 1967 until his discharge in 1968. Upon his discharge Russell bought the first of his many motorcycles and rode home across the country. He did not announce his homecoming. One morning in July of 1968 noises were heard on the back porch at 142 Francis Street, and there stood a weather beaten Russell, simply stating "I'm home." That was Russell. Russell held various jobs in construction, driving trucks and from time to time worked at Royal Tire Service, owned and operated by his brother Dick. His favorite job, according to his brother, was driving buses for Dattco. Russell, who was six foot five, long haired and bearded, liked driving kids to school. That was Russell. Russell had a love for finding unusual wood; he sanded and carved walking sticks and canes as a hobby. Russell always had dogs who he loved to walk in the park and take for swims in the Farmington River. Russell Percival was a colorful character. Everyone who knew him liked him. It was hard not to. Russell was an imposing figure and a kind soul. He was the favorite uncle to nieces and nephews. He was a son, a brother, a husband, and had more friends than most of us. Russell was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Janet. Her death, in March of last year, left him broken hearted. He is survived by his mother, Helen, of New Britain; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Kathy of Kensington; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and John Laz of Harpswell, Maine; sister Karen of Portland, Maine, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. We all have a hole, about six foot five, in our hearts, and as wide across as the ocean view from Cape Cod.