William John Russell, age 68, of Stratford, died suddenly and peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Born in Hartford, on February 23, 1940, he was the son of W. Wesley Russell and Helen Frederickson. A lifelong Stratford resident, he graduated from Stratford HS in 1958 and Bridgeport Engineering Institute. He retired after a 25 plus year career at Sikorsky Aircraft as an engineer in the Metallurgical lab, but his brilliant mind was missed and so he went back to consult part time. Known as Bill, Daddy, and Papa, William, was a lifetime NRA member, an avid coin, stamp, antique gun & fossil collector, meditator & champion yogi flyer, sprout farmer, Zwieback and Swedish pancake enthusiast, nature lover, history buff, animal lover, puppy mid-wife, excellent archer and rifleman, and best all-around handyman. While Bill was a devout Catholic, his spiritual curiosity for and life long discovery of eastern traditions never waned. He was an Amma and Divine Mercy devotee and an unfailing supporter of Catholic charities. Bill is survived by his High School sweetheart, Patricia (Patty) M. Hart. He was the love of her life and her partner of 51 years. She cherished his sweet, honest, kind and caring ways and will deeply miss him. Bill and Pat strived to establish and maintain a close knit family. His strength, love generosity and support will forever sustain his children. Bill's self-proclaimed recent hobbies were his grandchildren and vacation home. "Thank you Daddy for being one of our best teachers, our tireless provider, and our rock. You will live in our hearts forever." A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 15th at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mark Church 500 Wigwam Lane Stratford. Interment will be private. Friends may call on Friday (TODAY) from 4-8 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Daughters Of Charity Of The Most Precious Blood Convent 1482 North Ave Bridgeport, CT. 06605