Wayne H. (Mitchell) Russell

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Wayne H. (Mitchell) Russell, 67, of 2 Red Oak Drive passed away on June 11, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after bravely battling numerous long-term illnesses.

He was born in Portland, on March 14, 1957, son of Jesse H. and W. Ruth (Jones) Mitchell. As a boy he attended schools in Germany, and in Scarborough Maine where he graduated high school in 1975. He quickly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving our country for 20 years as a Nurse Corps Officer, finally retiring in 1995.

Wayne was married to Gabriele Hansen from 1980 until 1993 and together they had two daughters, Kristina and Erika. Later on Wayne partnered with John Hotsinpiller and eventually the two were able to legally marry in 2014, joined together by their chosen surname “Russell”.

Wayne moved often during his naval career, living in Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. Eventually returning home to Maine in 2013, he and John purchased their dream home in 2015. Wayne worked with delight to make the house a showplace. He spent much of his retirement years making memories here with family. He enjoyed many activities like kayaking, ice skating, scrapbooking, photography, and gardening. Christmas was his absolute favorite holiday followed by Halloween. Wayne was an avid collector of Christmas and Halloween village pieces and would annually create his own unique wonderlands throughout the house to share with family and friends.

Wayne also had a deep affection for covered bridges, lighthouses and trains, which he traveled all over New England to visit and photograph.

In 2020 Wayne began volunteering at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. He worked hard to become a Qualified Conductor and certified Motor Man and was able to fulfill his dream to motor his own trolley with family members on board.

Wayne was told by numerous doctors in 1994 that he was going to see his last Christmas that year, however, his strength persevered and he was given the gift of being here for 30 more years which fueled his lust for life exponentially, taking advantage of every opportunity that was offered.

He was predeceased by his parents, his older brother Robert W. Mitchell; and his youngest daughter Erika in 2009.

He is survived by his husband John Russell of Old Orchard Beach; his eldest daughter Kristina (Mitchell) Volpe and her husband Michael of Minot; his brother Bryce Mitchell and his wife Susan of Scarborough; a sister Diane (Mitchell) Martin and her husband David of Old Orchard Beach; a sister Donna (Mitchell) Medlin and her husband Rick of Florida; his sister-in-law Brigitte Mitchell; two grandchildren Mike Volpe and Jared Devoe, one great-grandchild, three nephews, a niece and his ex-wife.

Burial services will be at Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Sanford Maine on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. (there will not be a wake/visitation preceding the burial) followed by a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, July 20, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at the Clambake Restaurant in Scarborough for those who wish to share memories, pictures, words of remembrance, etc., for a more lighthearted service of Wayne’s life and accomplishments (please no black attire per Wayne’s wishes). Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main Street, Saco are entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation at http://www.kidney.org or by calling 212-889-2210.