Obituary-Brother Felix Matthias Russell

(July 23, 1934 - August 17, 1987)

Francis Felix Russell entered St. Joseph's Novitiate in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts in 1953. He completed his Scholasticate at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Brother Felix served as a teacher at Mount Saint Michael Academy in Bronx, New York; Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Poughkeepsie, New York; and as school treasurer at Marist High School, Chicago, Illinois and Central Catholic High , Lawrence, Massachusetts. Between 1971 and 1979, Felix was assistant provincial treasurer. More recently, he served as business manager for the Marist Missionary Sisters. He died at Massachusetts General Hospital in August 1987 after a brief illness. Printed below is an excerpt from

Brother John Malich's eulogy delivered at Mount Saint Michael Chapel, Bronx, New York.

In many ways Felix's life was the Brothers. As a young boy he came to Mount Saint Michael as a boarder, and spent his "growing-up" years with and among the Brothers. This experience ultimately led to his love for this particular family and his entrance into the novitiate. And he brought all of this love, and that special energy and fire which was uniquely Felix, to his commitment.

Because he loved the Brotherhood so, he could point to things within the family that he felt needed to be looked at, changed, adjusted-always from his perspective. He could argue, rave, and rant, but always out of a deep love for who we all are.

Felix was always there when needed, to show a gentle concern for the sick, to attend every funeral of a Brother or Brother's parent -- no matter the distance.

Yet always in Felix's life there was a hunger, a yearning for "something" -- something better than was now present to him. Maybe it would be that next community he joined, or perhaps that particular title or position or role he attained: then everything would be great. This yearning always made him seem to me to be waiting for that "something" that was just around the bend, that something which finally would complete him, and make everything whole.

It is consoling for us this morning to know in our faith that Felix has finally arrived home, that all his yearning has been so wonderfully and unimaginably fulfilled. We rejoice for you, Felix, that you are finally at peace. We ask you to remember all of us still on the journey.

Source: Original Marists All Site

Marist College | Marist Archives & Special Collections | Contact Us  | Acknowledgements