Russell Darrell Losh

Russell Darrell Losh Sr., age 88 years, made the journey to his heavenly home on April 2, 2018. He knew where he was going, with a solid faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was born on January 28, 1930 in Grafton, West Virginia, the only child of Mildred Upton and Samuel Farrell Losh.

He attended local country schools before entering the Army March 19 1947 at age 17. He served in many locations during his service, including the Replacement Co. Fort Sheridan, Lake County, Illinois, Engineers BN Fort Warren, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Fort Richardson 813th Aviation Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska. After his service in Alaska, he was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry School. He earned his Parachutist and Glider badges there, after which he was transferred to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home of the 82nd Airborne. He earned the rank of Corporal in the 325th Airborne Infantry. He was medically discharged from Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C. on April 30 1951. Russ was forever proud of his service to his country in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and a member of the American Legion.

Russ was employed for 30 years with and retired from General Services Administration. He worked as a Shift Supervisor in several federal buildings in and around Boston, MA. During his life he enjoyed having a garden, growing vegetables to eat and to share. He enjoyed woodworking in his active years, always creating or remodeling around the house. He loved camping, the early years in a tent, later in an RV. He also loved to travel, on the road, in a plane, on a cruise ship. His most favorite thing was going back to West Virginia to his boyhood home, staying at the family farm for the annual family reunion. Russ was a true "family man" devoted to his wife and family, and enjoyed birthdays, holidays, celebrations and especially times with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 49+years, Roseanne Helen Swett, son Russell Darrell Losh Jr. & w. Tricia of Ft. Myers, FL, grandson Brian Losh & w. Kristin of Lehigh Acres, FL, (great grandchildren Brian & Kassidy), granddaughter Michelle Losh of Somerville, MA; daughter Sylvia Ghafari & h. Massoud of Bradford, MA, granddaughter Kristina Webber & h. Charles of Amesbury, MA, & great granddaughter Sophie, granddaughter Korinne Traynor & h. Ryan of Methuen, MA; daughter Nancy Perez of Lynn, MA, & grandsons Michael Sanatian and Marco Tini of MA; daughter Jennifer Aquilina & h. Todd of Sacramento, CA, & grandsons Eli & Noah; step-son Mark Rollins of Roseville, CA, step-granddaughter Jenelle Rollins of Elk Grove, CA, & great grandchildren Seth & Brooklyn; step-son Joseph Rollins of Chester, NH; half-brother Keith Pifer of Cookville, TN; half-sister Phyllis Costello of West Salem, OH. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families, and so many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel F. Losh & Mildred Pifer, half-brother Jerry Pifer, and son Kenneth Losh.
In his honor, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.