Russell F. Neary‚ age 55‚ of Easton‚ Connecticut‚ died on October 29‚ 2012‚ in the line of duty‚ while assisting residents during the height of Hurricane Sandy. A 13-year veteran volunteer fireman with the Easton Fire Department‚ he was serving as president and lieutenant of the company. He was also an emergency medical responder with Easton Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. He loved every aspect of the fire service-the calls‚ training‚ and the camaraderie. Even with mundane tasks like fundraising he would put in 110 percent.

Russell was born on July 8‚ 1957‚ in Bridgeport‚ Connecticut‚ to the late John J. and Phyllis Neary‚ and grew up in Easton. Russell attended Fairfield College Preparatory School and the College of Holy Cross‚ where he majored in accounting. Russell had been employed since 1979 as a vice president of the Global Ocean Marine Department at General Reinsurance in Stamford‚ Connecticut‚ where he enjoyed mentoring trainees in the reinsurance field.

A certified U.S. track and field official‚ Russell coached sporting teams and volunteered with the Joel Barlow High School track team. He attended his children’s sporting events‚ as well as alumni events at Fairfield College Preparatory School and College of the Holy Cross. Russell loved spending time with his family-taking vacations‚ telling stories‚ and swimming in the family pool. He also enjoyed playing golf‚ thoroughbred horse racing‚ and smoking a cigar with friends.

He is survived by his loving wife‚ Maryanne(Faley); daughters‚ Cara and Caitlin; his brother‚ Peter‚ his wife‚ Judith‚ and their children‚ Christopher‚ Laurel‚ and Heather; brothers-in-law‚ John Faley‚ and his wife‚ Susan‚ Kevin Faley‚ Michael Faley and his wife‚ Kathy; sister-in-law‚ Eileen Faley Carroll‚ and her husband‚ Jim; parents-in-law‚ John and Eileen Faley; and many nieces and nephews.

Russell did so much for his community. His death leaves a huge hole in our hearts.