Russell Alan Hedges

MONSON - TSGT RUSSEL A. HEDGES, USAF RET, 53, passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 22, 2020 while battling a long illness. He was born in Holyoke on July 21, 1967 and was educated in the Chicopee schools before entering the Navy in 1985. As a reservist, he was a carpenter in the Navy Seabees and also worked as an electrician for Bernashe Electric. During that period, Russ was also part of the Chicopee Special/Reserve Police. In 2001, Russ transferred to the Air Force and became part of the 439th Security Forces at Westover AFB. He served in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle. He received numerous awards and citations in addition to the Meritorious Service Medal Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal and Expeditionary Medal Global War On Terrorism. He served his country honorably for over 24 years and retired in 2010.

Most recently, Russ became the president of the Oregon Sportsmen's Club of Western Massachusetts after serving many years as a board of director. Russ enjoyed the Patriots and the Bruins, playing cards, fishing, making people laugh, spending time with his dog Minka, and harassing his rooster-Richard. Russell leaves behind his beloved wife of 26 years, Kristin A. (Burzynski) Hedges of Monson; his brother, Robert Hedges of Chicopee; his sister, Lynn Jones of Chicopee and his aunt Carole Desroches and her husband Paul of Belchertown. He also leaves several nieces, nephews and numerous friends and family. Russell was predeceased by his mother Linda Hedges.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 5-7PM at Lombard Funeral Home, 3 Bridge St., Monson, MA 01057. His funeral will begin on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 10AM from the funeral home and conclude with the burial with military honors at 11AM in Hillcrest Cemetery, Monson.

Friends and family are encouraged to write a memory, especially funny ones that you remember of Russell and bring that along to the services to be placed in a memory box for Kristin. In remembrance of his life, any charitable donations are asked to be made to the Oregon Sportsmen's Club of Western MA. Please visit www.lombardfuneralhome.com for more details and online condolences.