Russell Whittier Pittsley of Middleborough, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at his home. He was just 51 days shy of his 101st birthday.
He was the husband of the late Evelyn Christine (Smith) Pittsley who passed away in 2005. Born in Middleborough on March 16, 1920, he was the son of the late Whittier and Nora (Maddigan) Pittsley of Middleborough, MA and brother of the late Frances (Pittsley) Moore of Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was a World War II veteran having served in The Philippines. Upon his return from the war, he drove a cab in Middleborough, which is where he met the love of his life, Evelyn. They married in 1947 in Middleborough. He worked as a printer for various companies throughout his life, retiring in 1985. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed model railroading, playing cribbage, horseshoes, target shooting and traveling. In 2006, Russell rejoined the Middleboro VFW, where he was thought to be the oldest active-duty member of the honor guard in the United States. Russell is survived by his three children, Noreen Bessey and her husband Steve of Kissimmee, FL, Geri Ballard and her husband Laird of Middleborough and Michael Pittsley and his wife Marlene of Peabody, MA. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Joshua Arieta and his wife Tami of El Segundo, CA, Bruce Ballard and his wife Nicolette of Raynham, MA, Stephen Bessey of Kissimmee, FL, Ross Pittsley of Peabody, MA, Katherine Pittsley and her partner Cordero Marrero of Lawrence, MA. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Alexander and Joshua Arieta of El Segundo, CA. Visiting hours to which family and friends are invited will be held at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak Street, Middleborough, on Sunday, January 31, 2021, from 4:00-6:00 PM. (LIMIT OF 25 PEOPLE ALLOWED INSIDE THE FUNERAL HOME AT ALL TIMES) DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, A FACE MASK MUST BE WORN AND SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES. Funeral and interment services will be private.
Visiting Hours
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday, January 31, 2021
Ashley~Drolette Funeral Home
35 Oak Street
Middleborough, Massachusetts, United States
02346
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Russell W. Pittsley, please visit our floral store.