Russell Hayes Bancroft

Hardwick - Russell Hayes Bancroft, age 84, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of  Monday, December 5, 2022 at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in West Brookfield.  Russell was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, January 27, 1938.  He was a son of the late Robert Hayes Bancroft and Marion R. (Read) Bancroft of Chesterfield, Massachusetts.  Russell was raised in Chesterfield, Massachusetts.  He graduated from Williamsburg High School and continued on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.  The Grange played a large part in Russell's life.  He was a 7th degree member of the National Grange and a Master of both the Chesterfield Grange and the Hillside Pomona Grange. Russell was a Life Member of the Massachusetts 4-H All Stars, and served as treasurer of the campership fund for several years.  He loved the beauty of nature and spent time hiking and enjoying all that it had to offer. Russell spent much of his free time taking care of the many animals that have occupied his residence over the years.  In 1977 Russell entered into Holy Matrimony with Emily M. Fila and together they have been married for over 45 years.  Russell and Emily have made Hardwick their home and sanctuary for the past 38 years. Russell was a proud Hardwick resident and was involved with the yearly Hardwick Community Fair.  He was a Life member of the Hardwick Historical Society serving as its treasurer for 22 years.  Russell was a member of the 94th Division Army Reserve Unit, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 4th Class.  He was employed as the Principal Storekeeper for the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. While employed there he received the State Pride in Performance Award.  He retired after 28 years of service.  Russell was a man of faith, and was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Ware.  Above everything Russell was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and loved spending time with his family.  Russell leaves behind to mourn his passing, his beloved wife of 45 years, Emily M. (Fila) Bancroft, his loving children; son, Timothy K. Bancroft, daughter Rachel S. Montoya and her husband Jesus, his two grandchildren; Veyron and Magnus Montoya, and his brothers, Merrill Bancroft and Douglas Bancroft.  A Calling Period will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM in the Cebula Funeral Home Chapel, 66 South St., Ware, MA.  A Funeral Mass will be offered for Russell in St. Mary's Church, 57 South St., Ware on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 11 AM.  Burial will be at the convenience of Russell's family.  Memorial Donations may be made in Russell's name to the Hardwick Historical Society, P.O. Box 492, Hardwick, MA 01037.  For more information and online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com .

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