Alvin F. "Bud" Russell, age 83, of Stratford, beloved husband of Paula Lakatos Russell, passed away on March 1, 2018 in Bridgeport Hospital. Bud was born in Bridgeport on February 8, 1935 to the late Oliver and Esther (Hylen) Russell and has been a life-long area resident. He graduated from Stratford High School Class of 1954, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track, and was the Vice President of his senior class. Bud went on to earn a BS in Health and Physical Education from New Haven State Teachers College, where he played varsity baseball and basketball. He continued his education at the University of Bridgeport, earning a MS in Physical Education, and a Sixth Year Professional Degree in Administration and Supervision. Bud taught for thirty-six years at Danbury High School, Johnson Junior High, and Stratford High School. He also coached baseball for twenty-one years and soccer for eleven years at Stratford High School. He was inducted into the Stratford High School Hall of Fame in 1999, and received the Golden Crown Athletic Award from the Stratford Old Timers Athletic Association in 2012. Bud was also an active member of Stratford United Methodist Church, serving as an usher and on several boards.  He enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox and UCONN Women's Basketball. Survivors in addition to his beloved wife of 59 years, include his devoted children, Susan and Steven Goodridge of Newtown, Pamela Andruski and Dan McInerney, and Ted and Amy Russell, all of Stratford, along with his cherished grandchildren, Brendon and Ryan Goodridge , Ashley Andruski and her fiancé Josh Blodgett, and Evan and Melanie Russell, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bud was a man of great character and integrity, and an excellent role model for the youth whose lives he touched, through both teaching and coaching. A memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Saturday, March 24 ^th at 11 AM at the Stratford United Methodist Church located at 2600 Main Street Stratford . Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in Bud's memory to Stratford United Methodist Church – ASP Project, 2600 Main St Stratford , CT 06615 , or to Stratford High School Scholarship for Sportsmanship in Baseball or Soccer, 45 North Parade St Stratford , CT 06615 . Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Adzima Funeral Home-Stratford