White River Jct., VT—Russell Beckett Capelle, Jr., 81, died Monday morning, March 25, 2024, at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington, VT.

Born in Holyoke, MA, January 08, 1943, sharing the birth date with his father and grandfather. Russ enjoyed childhood adventures with friends in the great neighborhood on Hyatt Avenue, Bradford, MA. The family moved to Vermont and Russ attended Northfield High School, graduating class of '61.

Russ attended his father's alma mater, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, studying Geography and Economic Geography, class of '65. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Winston, earning a National Defense Service Medal for his efforts and bravery. He continued his education at Clark University in Worcester, MA for an A.B. in '71 then on to the Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA, for his PhD, and went on to become a professor of Geography at the University of Rhode Island. He published many works in his tenure, and enjoyed writing pieces that cataloged his visits to ski areas of New England.

After his teaching career, Russ was employed by the American Trucking Association and the Office of Personnel Management researching efficiency in the trucking industry.

Russ was an avid downhill skier and a creative gardener. He always looked forward to the annual family week in Ocean Park, Maine and sent out creative reminders to all members of the family. The highlights of the week were beach croquet and a lobster dinner provided by Russ. In retirement, he created his monthly newsletter called 'UP' featuring a homemade crossword puzzle, hand-drawn comics, and reflections on earlier days.

He leaves behind his sister, Elizabeth Neal of Hartford, VT, his daughters, Kimberlee Capelle of Sanford, Maine, and Kerry Zeckser with twin grandsons, Ryan, and Jeffrey Zeckser, of Massachusetts and niece Carol and grandnephew, Liam, of Connecticut. Survivors also include his former wife, Cheryl Capelle, of Florida.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com