HOLLIS- Russell “Grampy” Albert Black, age 64, peacefully passed away in his sleep on November 12, 2021.
His story begins on Mother’s Day, May 12th,1957. He was the best gift his parents, Richard and Mildred Black (preceded) could have received. Rusty was born at the Hollis Hospital in Hollis Center, Maine.
As a young man he helped his parents at Foxy’s Den Restaurant, a local favorite at the time. It is common knowledge that even though he was helpful, he never missed an opportunity to take advantage of the soft spot in his mothers heart, like getting away with midnight break-ins at the restaurant to cook munchies for his entire crew of friends.
Rusty worked at Dayton Sand & Gravel as a supervisor. He left DSG in 1994, to pursue owning and operating R.B. 's restaurant located in Lyman with his then wife, Lois Hurd. The restaurant life was part of who Rusty was.
In later years Rusty enjoyed helping his dear friends Les and Vicki Leighton at Leighton Excavation. Rusty always returned to his cooking roots by doing lobster bakes for them.
Rusty with his brothers Ricky Black (preceded) & Lon Black enjoyed fishing and especially hunting, and I think if anyone was keeping score, Rusty may have hit the bulls eye more.
He also enjoyed the company of his sister-in-laws Ellen Black & Sue Black (respectively).
Though Rusty wore many hats none fit as well as the one he wore when he was working on race cars. Racing was his all time favorite pastime highlighted by the many years spent being a crew chief for his friends Garry Johnson & wife Donna, and the Johnson Racing Team.
It is still up for debate if Rusty was simply a gift to Mildred (his Mom), or if God sent him to be the apple of his loving and devoted sister, Catherine Harmon’s eye.
In 1984 he met and fell in love with his children C.J. Nelsen & Venessa Allen. He would spend many years teaching them all the things that a Dad could possibly teach.
C.J. & his wife Leanna, along with Venessa & her husband Brock went on to give Rusty the one thing that completely stole his heart, his 8 grandchildren. He had 6 beautiful grand-daughters, Lorilye & her husband Tyler Holland, Cassidy Rollins, Courtney Nelsen, Sydney Allen, Kaylee Allen, & Pippa Rose Nelsen. He has 2 handsome grandsons, Tyler Rench-Dalrymple & Aiden Rench.
Rusty was mutually adored by his great-granddaughter Braylen Holland and was looking forward to meeting the expected great-grandchild on the way.
With all these loved ones, you would think that there were no favorites, but Rusty may have had one. His beloved daughter-in-law Leanna Nelsen. He was just amazed with her and found comradery in her never ending selflessness, something Rusty could relate to.
Over the years Rusty had a soft spot for kids in need of some love, he would open his home to many including Tammie Smith, Timmy Elwell, Randy Black, and Jessica Libby with her son David. He was really good at being a surrogate Dad, even giving the bride away at his niece, Tammie’s wedding. Anyone who loved his family was loved by him, like grafting special people like “Auntie Chelle” Michelle Merrifield into his family without question.
In recent years Rusty developed a partner in crime relationship with his best buddy Cappy Poole. They would be found spending time looking for hot chics or harassing the girls at the local Dunkin’s.
Rusty will be greatly missed by too many close family and friends to list.
In lieu of flowers: contributions can be made to Alpha PRC, 6 Washington St. Suite 100, Sanford, ME 04073. A resource close to Rusty’s heart due to the help they have extended to his grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday morning Nov. 18 at 10 AM at Bear Hill Cemetery in Hollis. Fred Letellier of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will officiate.
A reception will follow at Rusty's home, 344 Deerwander Road, Hollis
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com