Russell Kenneth Libby Obituary (1922 - 2013)

FAIRFIELD, MAINE—Russell Kenneth Libby, 91, of Fairfield, Maine passed away peacefully with his family and friends by his side on Friday, October 11, 2013, at Inland Hospital in Waterville, Maine. He was born in Embden, Maine on August 5, 1922, the son of the late Lloyd and Clara (Magner) Libby. Russell attended schools in Norridgewock, Maine and graduated from one the last classes to graduate from Norridgewock High School. Following his schooling he served with the Army from January 2, 1943 through November 6, 1945 during World War II. He saw action in the PO Valley and North Apennines in Italy, as well as the Aleutian Islands. Russell received the Good Conduct Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, APTC Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, the Purple Heart, ATCM Ribbon, EAME Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Russell married the former Dorothy Gassaway on December 17, 1949. The couple shared many wonderful years together until her passing on December 25, 1999. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6924 in Fairfield, Maine, and American Legion Post 14 in Fairfield, Maine. Russell's employment included Asplundh Tree Company in Indiana, Maine Chance Farms in Mount Vernon, Maine, Lucas Tree Company for several years, and retired in 1984 from Ski Land Woolen Mill in Clinton, Maine. He also was a member of Fairfield Center Fire Association Company #2, and Norridgewock Fire Department. Russell enjoyed playing cribbage, cards, camping, and spending time with his family. He was very active with the VFW and always enjoyed the conventions. He and his wife often opened their home to anyone in need. Russell was a man of few words who enjoyed life to the fullest. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his step-mother, Hazel Libby, his sister, Beverly Picard; his brothers, Quintin, Lloyd Jr., Lawrence, and Herbert Libby; and his great grandson, Tyler James Bailey. Russell will be sadly missed by his three sons, William L. Libby, Michael A. Libby, and Wayne E. Libby, all of Fairfield, Maine; his three daughters, Connie J. Frappier and her husband, Armand of Waterville, Maine, Christine M. Deblois and her husband, Joseph of Fairfield, Maine, and Audrey L. Princic and her husband, Ronald of Fairfield, Maine; his sister, Florence Griffin of Lynn, Massachusetts; his brother, Clarence Libby and his wife, Anita of Norridgewock, Maine; his sisters-in-law, Betty Libby and Regina Libby, both of Norridgewock, Maine; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and the doctors, nurses, and housekeeping staff on the Med Surg Unit at Inland Hospital. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with a VFW Service to begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 14 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15 also at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Lawrence officiating. Burial with military honors will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 18 at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Dr., Augusta, Maine.