Russell Harbaugh

St. Johnsbury, VT: Russell C. Harbaugh, Sr., age 71, of Cross Avenue, passed away at home December 26, 2017, following a long period of declining health.

Russell was born on September 29, 1946, in St. Johnsbury, VT, son to the late Calvin A. and Iola (Widger) Harbaugh. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in the class of 1967.   On August 21, 1971 he married the former Judith Bugbee and shared 46 years together. He enjoyed all sports, but especially baseball and basketball and coached baseball of many years. He loved cooking and baking and did it all at home including making Buckeye candies that were coveted at Christmas time.  Russell enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking trips to Maine and just spending time at hunting camp. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and more who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy of St. Johnsbury, 2 sons: Russell Harbaugh, Jr. (Linda Lohnes) of Englewood, FL, Brian Harbaugh (Rachel) of Danville, VT, 4 sisters: Bernadine Belknap (Paul) of Waterford, Fredricka Stebelus of St. Johnsbury, Jeanette Libby (Clinton) of Lyndonville, VT, Marion Veilleux (Robert) of St. Johnsbury, 2 brothers-in-law: Michael Bugbee (Joanne) of St. Johnsbury, Fred Bugbee (Paula) of Newport Center, a sister-in-law: Christine Demers (David) of St. Johnsbury, his in-laws: Rita and Edsel Bean of St. Johnsbury, 1 grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother-in-law: David Stebelus and children: Tonya & Michael, his sister: Ruth Carroll and husband, John, and nephew: Jeffrey Belknap.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6PM on Friday, December 29, 2017, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, with Abby Pollander officiating.  There will be no Calling Hours.

Memorial Donations may be made in Russell’s name to Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.