Dr. Russell J. Newell Jr. Obituary

August 26, 1938 - Feb 16, 2025

Dr. Russell J. Newell Jr. lived a life filled with service, dedication, adventure, and a touch of humor that endeared him to all who knew him. His journey began on August 26, 1938 in Des Moines Iowa, and in 1952, he moved to California, setting the stage for a lifetime of achievement and adventure.

A proud graduate of Arcadia High School (1956) and Pasadena City College (1958), Russell soon found his calling in dentistry. That same year he joined the Naval Reserves and continued his education at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

After moving to San Francisco, he met Earlene Abbott in the fall of 1958 and they were married in November of 1960. While still in Dental School at UCSF, they had their 1st daughter Denise in October of 1962. The following year in June of 1963 he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and then immediately moved his young family to San Diego to serve out his 2 year tour of duty.  Shortly after arriving in San Diego, their second daughter Deborah was born in October of 1963. Russell was stationed at the Navel Training Center in San Diego for 1 year and then was honored by being assigned to serve as only one of two dentists aboard the USS Jason.  The ship spent 3 months at the port in San Diego and then was deployed on a Westpac tour.  Russell spent 9 months overseas at various ports of which Japan was his favorite.

After completing his tour of duty in the fall of 1965, he settled his family in Santa Maria, CA where he established a successful dental practice. In January of 1970, they welcomed triplets Randi, Russell III and Rebecca. In the spring of 1995, Russell retired after serving as a distinguished dentist in the community for almost 30 years.  It was also at this time that Russell and Earlene divorced, and he married Susie Capper and moved to Silverton, Oregon, where he and Susie shared a wonderful life together until her passing in September of 2023.

Retirement, however, did not slow him down. After moving to Silverton, Oregon, Russell found unexpected joy in working for the Silverton Police Department, where he took great pride in fixing parking meters and collecting change- an endeavor that, as he liked to joke, funded his Starbucks habit. His commitment to service extended beyond work; he was an active member of the Silverton Kiwanis Club for 25 years, a lifelong member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538, and a dedicated Mason.

Beyond his professional and civic contributions, Russell had a deep passion for the open road. He loved riding his Harley motorcycle on weekends, finding freedom in the rumble of the engine and the wind in his face. One of his greatest joys was making it to Sturgis three times, including an unforgettable trip with his son and three of his grandsons- a cherished adventure filled with stories, laughter, and the thrill of the ride.

In June of 2024, Russell made the heartfelt decision to return to Santa Maria, CA, where his journey had come full circle.  When he moved to Heaven on February 16, 2025, he was surrounded by his children who had come from as far away as New Hampshire to be by his side.

Russell is survived by his children Denise Pierce (Donald), Deborah McLaughlin (Greg), Randi Hoenninger (George), Russell J Newell III (Genevieve), & Becky Moxley (Jerry), his brother Dick Newell (Doris), his stepchildren Clint Capper (Megan), Debbie Donaldson (Cliff), as well as many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his deep love for family and community, and his ability to find joy in the little things whether it was a well fixed parking meter, a good cup of coffee, or the hum of his Harley on the open road. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and adventure that will not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on July 28, 2025 at the Elks Lodge in Santa Maria, CA from 11am - 2pm (1309 N Bradley Road).  A second Celebration of Life service will be held on July 31 at Emmanuel Bible Church in Salem, OR from 11am - 2pm (8512 Sunnyview Road NE).  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his name.

Rest easy, Dad. Your laughter, wisdom, and adventurous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew you!