Dana Kenneth Russell

Whitmore Lake, Michigan- There are no words to describe the hole in our hearts upon learning that our beloved Dana died before leaving for a visit to New Hampshire and his Governor Dummer Academy 50th reunion. He was so looking forward to being with his family and friends. Dana was a compassionate man who lived his life to the fullest. He began life in Hampton attending local schools, playing baseball and ice hockey and helping his sisters by building fences, loading obstinate horses on trailers, keeping their horses under control and zooming around the field on one of his dad’s demo snowmobiles. Dana would go on to Governor Dummer Academy where his finest accomplishment was kicking the winning field goal for a traditionally unsuccessful football squad…barefoot! He was captain and catcher for the baseball team, which was more to his liking. On to Plymouth College to major in tubing down the Pemi! Then to Houston to find his path, talking his way into a job driving a Zamboni (he was the only applicant who knew what a Zamboni was!) and meeting Karen (Kippy) Pritula. They married with a shared love of sheets of ice and Irish Setters. Next chapter was meeting and marrying Sandy Orosco, while both were working at the University of Michigan. Sandy and her two sons became his Michigan family. Dana retired from the University after 26 years in 2013. He found so much joy in the time spent with his step-sons and grandchildren. His hobby of building and racing snowmobiles earned him the respect and love of so many wonderful friends. Dana and his Poor Boy Racing team became mentors for racers young and old. They, along with his cherished neighbors along the lake, are a tight group to be sure. He is survived by his mother Anne Russell, sister Leslie Lafond and her husband Michael, sister Kristen Russell. Niece Meaghan Delly and her husband Jean Paul, nephew Bryan Lafond and his partner Jade Marshall, nephew Evan Russell Bowley, niece Elle Littlefield, grandniece Camila Delly – all of Hampton, NH. His step-son Jesse Orosco and his wife Lynn, His step-son Carlos Orosco and his wife Ryanne. Grandchildren, Xylia Pike, AJ Pike, Seb Pike, Hailey Ripple, Serena Orosco, Linkin Orosco, Jacob Orocsco and Kenneth Orosco. Dana was predeceased by his father Kenneth Russell and his wife Sandy Russell. There will be a celebration of life at Christ Church, 43 Pine Street, Exeter, NH on June 16th at 10:30am with a reception to follow. An additional celebration of life will be in Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, keep your friends and family close and share a good deed.

Dana Kenneth Russell

January 25, 1958 - June 4, 2026