Obituary of George Farley Russell

George Farley Russell, 56, of Southport, CT, passed away unexpectedly on December 15th at his home. Born on January 31, 1968, in Bridgeport, CT, George was the beloved son of the late Harris Edward Russell and Stephaine Santa Russell DeForest. George was a lifetime resident of Fairfield. A graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School, Class of 1986, he went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in 1990. A respected and accomplished insurance professional, George joined the Russell Agency of Southport in 1994, a business founded by his great-uncle, David W. Russell, in 1941, and then run by his father Harris from 1967 – 2003. He became the Agency Principal in 2001 and, in partnership with his brother Timothy, carried on the agency's tradition of small-town hospitality combined with exceptional professionalism, making a lasting impact on colleagues, clients, and the greater Southport community. As a young boy, 'Georgie' quickly took over any room he entered – his adorable blond locks and big smile made people of all ages want him to sit on their lap and just hug him (which he happily obliged). At The Arrow restaurant in Westport, the Nistico family would point out George to other customers as he ate his spaghetti and meatballs – taking the pasta with his fork but holding the meatball and eating it as though it were an apple. As a young man, he worked through high school at the local printer, Viking Color Separation Company, and joined landscaping crews when home from college. During this time, he developed his love of nature and fishing on the shores of Long Island Sound. Deeply committed to the betterment of Southport, George gave generously of his time and leadership as past President of the Sasquanaug Association, devoted to preserving and protecting his beloved, historic Southport. He was also a past President of the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield, and Treasurer of the Pequot Fish and Game Club. George will be remembered for his twinkling eyes and affability (and occasional frustration)—never more apparent than when cheering for his beloved New York Giants football team from the family's longtime seats at Giants Stadium or when he had a fishing rod in hand. He attended the Giants first Super Bowl appearance against the Baltimore Ravens in 2001; they got crushed, but he later extracted his revenge against the New England Patriots (twice!). Section 241 of MetLife Stadium will forever be quieter. He was equally as passionate about music as a devoted fan of the alternative rock band Ween and followed the Grateful Dead from coast to coast. His first Dead show was in New Haven, CT on 4/23/83 and he proceeded to see the band over 250 more times. George is survived by his cherished daughters, Madelyn Susan Robin Russell and Charlotte Elsa Russell of Southport, who outshone even the Giants as the delight of his life. His happiest moments were sharing his love of travel with his girls, and together they canvassed Japan, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Maine, Mexico, Nevis, Montauk, Colorado, the Hudson Valley, New Mexico and their beloved Martha's Vineyard (among other places). George would also escape solo to Iceland, Hungary, Costa Rica, and any other place with a hot spring. Besides the daughters he adored, George is survived by his large, extended family: his mother, Stephaine Santa Russell DeForest of Stratford; his siblings, Edward 'Ned' Russell (Teresa) of New York City; Peter Russell (Stephanie) of Easton; Timothy Russell (Bobbie Sue) of Sandy Hook; Alison Russell Macadam (Christopher) of Old Lyme, Connecticut; Virginia Cargill of Southport; Sissy Cargill Biggers (Kelsey) of Oak Bluffs, MA; Molly Cargill Spruance (Will) of Wilmington, DE; Sam Cargill of Southport; and Sarah Cargill Brundage (John) of Scottsdale, AZ. 'Uncle Georgie' was also beloved by the next generation of his siblings's families: Harris and Spencer Russell; Judge, Walker, and Mila Russell; and Peter, Owen, Ford, and Graham Macadam; Billy and Stephen Cargill; Sarah and Lucy Biggers; Marjorie and Julia Spruance; and Sam and Rosie Cargill. George was predeceased by his father, Harris Russell; his stepmother Therese Cargill Russell; his stepfather, Bert DeForest; his step-brother Bill Cargill; and his sister-in-law, Jennifer Cargill. George's warmth, generosity and often impish spirit are already deeply missed by his family, friends, and the communities he served so well. Southport residents and the Russell Agency staff and clients will remember the sight of George walking his energetic labrador, Taylor, a fixture in the village. A celebration of George's life will take place on Sunday, December 29th at the Lesko Funeral Home (1209 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824) with the family receiving visitors from 12 noon – 3:00 pm. This will be followed by a few words about George at 3:00pm, and then a reception at the Pequot Yacht Club in Southport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sasquanug Association of Southport. Peace & Love.