Carl Frederick Russell, dear sweet son, brother, uncle, and great uncle. Born October 16, 1964. Predeceased by father Harold Sr., mother Thelma, and brother Harold Jr., and survived by brother Mark, nieces Darrell and Deborah, and Great nephew Izayah. Born at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Carl was always the darling of his mother's eye. As a young child, Carl was a sought after ring bearer, appearing in many a wedding, and was often mistaken for child actor Rodney Allen Rippy. A lifelong resident of Bedford, Carl attended Job Lane Elementary School, John Glenn Jr. High, and graduated from Bedford High School in 1982. Through his teenage years, Carl played Bedford youth hockey, and was also on a club hockey team that played in an elite traveling league, which took him to tournaments as far away as Canada. He also played on the football team through all 4 years of high school. Carl was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford, and growing up, attended worship service, Sunday school, and Vacation Bible School there.

After high school, Carl attended Chamberlain Junior College in Boston, majoring in the Hospitality fields, while also working as a supply manager at what was then Stouffer's Bedford Glen Hotel on Middlesex Turnpike in Bedford. Then, in October 1987 just prior to his 23rd birthday, misfortune struck, and Carl became spinal cord injured. At that time, medical science, and the prevailing prognosis gave Carl a remaining life expectancy of 8 to 11 years. But Carl was not discouraged or deterred. After a long and arduous rehabilitation, he would turn tragedy into triumph, and go on to attend and graduate from Middlesex Community College with high honors, achieving degrees in Business and Hotel, Restaurant & Travel Administration. From there, Carl transferred to Bentley College in Waltham to pursue Bachelor's degrees in these same fields, but unfortunately had to withdraw after two semesters due to health issues. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Carl, in partnership with others, was an owner operator of a successful landscaping company. He found this experience to be very valuable and rewarding, as being a business owner had long been one of his career aspirations. Following those years, there were more health highs and lows. But through it all, Carl always remained true to his faith and optimism. Most recently, Carl was intending to resume his educational accomplishments by attending UMass Boston, majoring in Psychology to become a therapist, counseling and supporting others with spinal cord injury. Sadly, the pandemic, and his untimely passing, would not afford him the opportunity to pursue those goals.

As we all well know, Carl is so loved and will be missed by so many. His infectious smile, sense of humor, and always upbeat persona, along with his kind words and sentiments of positivity and encouragement, have deeply affected and impacted all who knew him. Carl always wanted people to come together with love and caring, and enjoy and appreciate one another. He was big on socializing and getting together with people. During his high school and early college years, he was well known for his rockin' house parties, and later, his hotel after parties following class reunion events. In recent years, Carl was very active and engaged connecting and interacting with people on social media. Carl loved music, and was an avid concert/live music goer, frequenting various venues, one of his favorites being Scullers Jazz Club. He was the best kind of friend and confidant, always willing to listen with a sensitive and empathetic ear, never judging or critical. And in turn, somehow always able to offer sage advice and counsel. No matter what, Carl never complained, instead, emphasizing tomorrow is not promised, so be thankful and grateful every day. The compassionate and courageous way Carl lived his life, has, and will continue to be, a model and inspiration for all of us. Rest in peace, my beautiful brother. We will love and remember you always.

Come one, come all, to the Celebration Of Life for Carl Russell! Let's get together to share love and memories, smiles instead of sadness. One last after party hosted by Carl on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, 2:00- 5:00 PM, Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations welcome for the Carl Russell Memorial Fund, First Baptist Church, 155 Concord Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.