Obituary of Franklin D. Russell

Franklin Douglas (Doug)Russell, 78, of Shelton, previously of Monroe, beloved husband of M Lois Patrizio Russell, passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, May 11, 2018. He was born on July 7, 1939 to the late Franklyn A and Mary Jane Patton Russell in Troy, New York. Doug was a graduate of Lasalle Institute in Troy, NY and The School of Hard Knocks (and he had blazer buttons to prove it). He was also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. 

His career in the Over the Counter Drug industry began in the warehouse at McKesson & Robbins Wholesale Drug in Albany, New York. Upon return from his Marine service, he was assigned a sales territory in their NorthEast Region. He left McKesson in 1978 to join his friend and mentor Bob Wallace in MK Labs, Fairfield and subsequently, the E.E. Dickinson Witch Hazel Co., Essex, CT. After Bob's retirement Doug served as President, E.E.D. followed by President, U.S. for Rhoto Mentholatum, Orchard Park, NY, President, Nature's Way Co.,Salt Lake City, Utah, President, CEO, Sinclair Pharmacal Co, Inc. , finally founding Principal and Owner of F.D.R. and Assoc, L.L.C. He served on the committees and boards of numerous industry associations, including CHPA( Consumer Health Products Assoc.), and NWDA ( National Wholesale Drug Assoc.). He credited his business success to the loving support of his family, hard work and wonderful mentors like Bob Wallace, Tom Knight, Joe Polastri and Charles Pergola.He was never happier than time spent with family on Cape Cod, coaching numerous basketball teams like St Jude, Monroe Crusaders or MK Labs Employee league. He loved his hours on tennis courts or cheering on his Red Sox and Celtics.

In addition to his wife Lois, he leaves his loving son Christopher (Vinita) Russell, Milton, MA and his absolutely cherished granddaughter Emma Jane Russell also of Milton. He was predeceased by his son Timothy Russell.

Family will greet friends on Monday, May 14, from 4 -8 PM at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his friend and confidant Monsignor Robert Weiss at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Tuesday, May 15 at 1 PM. Interment will be private at a later date.

Those who wish may in lieu of flowers make a donation to Https://giving.harthosp.org/hhc-stars-dancing-for-Parkinsons or michaeljfox.org