Sydney W. Russell Jr.

July 16, 1936 — March 23, 2021

Sydney W. "Syd" Russell, 84, a resident of Pine Circle, Bennington, died Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness.

Syd was born on July 16, 1936 and raised in Easthampton, MA where he graduated from Williston Academy before going on to Boston where he graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

Syd married the former Marilyn Simkins on November 25, 1967 in Dekalb, Illinois.

Syd began his long career as a pharmacist at Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield, MA before moving on to Putnam Memorial Hospital in Bennington where he served as Chief Pharmacist for 20 years. Syd served another 20 years as a friendly and recognizable face at The Pharmacy on North Street where he remained until his retirement.

Syd was a long time member of the Second Congregational Church in Bennington where he also served as a trustee. He was a former member of the Bennington Lions Club and also a member of both the Rattlesnakes and Gezzers coffee clubs. His passion was cheering for the Boston Red Sox and going to the races at Saratoga every August.

The family would especially like to thank the many members of the Second Congregational Church for their numerous acts of kindness during Syd's long illness. They would also like to thank the staff at CLR, especially Brooke, and the caregivers who assisted him while he was living at home.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Russell of Bennington; three sons, Andrew Russell of Montclair, NJ, Todd Russell and his wife Jennifer of North Brookfield, MA and Eric Russell and his wife Leigh of Bennington; four grandchildren, Haley, Natalie, Lilly and Jacob Russell; his step-grandson, Jonathon Russell; a sister, Mary Russell of West Concord, MA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside committal services will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 12 noon at the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington .

Should friends desire memorial contributions in Sydney Russell's memory may be made to either the Second Congregational Church or the Parkinson's Foundation through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

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Service Schedule

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Graveside Service

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Park Lawn Cemetery

South Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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Interment