Russell “Russ” Vickstrom, Jr. passed away peacefully at Care One in Millbury on September 8, 2023 after a long illness. Born in Worcester on April 8, 1951, Russ was the son of Russell and Jean (Davidson) Vickstrom and lived the last 38 years in Holden.

A proud Worcester native, Russ graduated from Burncoat High School, and received degrees from Worcester State University and Anna Maria College. Russ served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Worcester State from 1987-1992 and was a great supporter of higher education. Russ returned to his Alma Mater as Director of Human Resources at WSU, retiring in 2014. He was an active member of Greendale People’s Church, serving on many committees and in the church choir. His church family was a very important part of his life. Russ was a member of the Parkinson’s Choir in Shrewsbury and was a generous supporter of local community theater.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debra M. (Bohn) Vickstrom as well as his sons, Erik, Andrew, Todd and their families. His pride and joy were his grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, James, Steven, David and their families as well as extended family members.

The family would like to thank everyone who supported him during his illness, his doctors, and they are especially grateful to the EMT and emergency responders in the town of Holden.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor and remember Russ’ life at a memorial service to be held at 2 pm on Saturday September 23, in Greendale People’s Church, 25 Francis St., Worcester. Interment will be held privately at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund at Greendale People’s Church, 25 Francis St., Worcester, MA 01606. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the “Tribute Wall” on this page.