Frank F. Russell, Jr., a lifelong resident of Malden, passed away at home on April 29, 2021. He was 53 years old.
Born in 1967 to Frank F. Russell, Sr. (deceased) and Denise Russell (Richardson) of Malden, Frank graduated from Malden High School in 1985. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1989 and eventually a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1993.
Frank served as Assistant City Solicitor for the cities of both Somerville and Malden and led his own law practice for 19 years, specializing in real estate transactions, contracts, and business litigation. An active and supportive member of the Malden community, he held a number of leadership positions, including the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, President of the Malden Historical Society, and member of the Board of Directors for the Monsignor Neagle Apartments and Malden Chamber of Commerce. He was also a lector at Immaculate Conception Parish, Malden.
Frank loved history. His book, “An Early History of Malden,” is a compact record of the city’s formative events. He frequently lectured on the topic and led tours of Malden’s most historical sites. He also had an extensive music collection – everything from early jazz to alt rock – was an avid reader, as well as collector of antiques.
Frank is survived by his children, Madison and Ned; his mother, Denise; and sister, Leanne, and her family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Frank’s life at the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden on Wednesday May 5th at 10:00am. Please go directly to church. Visiting hours will be held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main St., Malden on Tuesday from 4-8pm. Burial will be private.
Donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Malden Historical Society, 36 Salem St., Malden, MA 02148.