Russell E. Fadding, 82, of Stockbridge passed away peacefully at home Oct. 9, 2020, with his family at his side.
Russell was born March 14, 1938, in West Stockbridge to Archibald J. Fadding and Irene Fadding. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm on West Center Road. In 1956 he graduated from the former Williams High School in Stockbridge. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was trained as a helicopter mechanic and served most of his enlistment in California. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and returned home to work on the family farm.
On June 25, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Hakes. He and Patty moved to High Lawn Farm in Lee in 1963. While there he worked as a herdsman and oversaw the breeding program. In 1974 Patty and Russ built the family home in Stockbridge and left High Lawn. From 1977 until his retirement in 2002, he worked at Mead Paper in Lee.
While Russ did have a couple of different careers through the years, his true passion in life was farming and, more specifically, farming on his family’s land in West Stockbridge. He owned and raised cattle his entire adult life. Through the years he was able to share this passion with his sons and many of the next generation of family living around the farm. He was known as Dad, Grampa and Uncle Russ to the many young men who learned about farming from him. Russ was a friend to many and was always available to whoever needed his assistance. He coached his son’s Little League teams, served as a volunteer fireman and was an active member of the American Legion Post 254.
Russ leaves his wife, Patty, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage June 25, 2020. He also leaves his son Marc (Angela); Steven (Laura); four grandchildren: Nicholas, Jared, Kevin and Trudy; and great-granddaughter Royalty.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the West Center Chapel on West Center Road, West Stockbridge, conducted by Rev. Brent Damrow. There will be no calling hours. Social distancing and masks will be required. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs for the service. Donations in memory of Russell may be made to the People’s Pantry of Great Barrington or HospiceCare in the Berkshires c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
