October 1, 2024
Downes, Russell E.
With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father “Coach” Russell Earle Downes on Sunday, September 22, 2024, following years of Alzheimer’s disease.
Russ leaves behind his sister, Charlotte Luscombe, his 3 children, Kenneth Downes, Sue Downes-Borko, Nancy Estabrook Downes and his 3 grandchildren, Sam, Lauren, and Lucian. His wife Marilyn passed away in 2015. The Downes family hosted many foreign exchange students who became extended and loved family members, most notably Paulo Matos and Ayça Çelebi.
Born April 11, 1930, Russ was raised in Medford, MA by Earle and Marion (Guthrie) Downes. He received a B.Ed from Boston University and his M.Ed from Michigan University.
Russ served in the Military as a US NAVY / USMC Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War, which unquestionably shaped who he was as a man the rest of his life, living one day at a time filled with gratitude and extending kindness towards all. In 2013 Russell was honored for his military service as Grand Marshall of the Westwood Memorial Day Parade.
Russ worked across the Westwood High School system as a Physical Education teacher and Coach (1958-1994), coaching baseball and basketball. He was inducted into the MA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2006), and the Westwood High School baseball field was named in his honor (2019).
Russell and Marilyn were awarded the Quarter Century Award by the Westwood Historical Society (2010) for their outstanding contributions to the community for more than 25 years, making Westwood a better place to live.
Please join us in celebrating Coach’s life on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 10AM – Noon in the Fellowship Hall located at First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090. This event is an informal reception (not a church service), casual clothing including baseball hats welcomed and encouraged. Guests will have the opportunity to share brief stories/memories of Coach Downes. Coffee and pastries will be served.
Please no cards or flowers. Memorial Gifts can be made to: “WHS Athletic Alumni”, and mailed to 736 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 (Memo – Coach Downes) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).
An Alumni baseball game will be held on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 (time to be announced) at Westwood High School to honor Russ.
Kenneth, Susan, and Nancy
Comments(3)
Russ was such a kind and caring man. He called one day about 10 yrs ago to check on me and my family members. We had the most marvelous conversation and walk down memory lane. We had several chats after that before he moved to the Dedham location. Russ will always be dear to my heart
I enjoyed working with the buses transporting the teams to any part of Massachusetts.Russ was one of a kind he loved people in all walks of life just like Marilyn.wonderful family !!!
Russ was the essence of what a coach and athletic director should be. I dealt with Russ as both an umpire and as manager of the ice rink in town. And I considered him a friend.
He was a professional through and through and gave everything to the students of the high school. He will be missed.