Reverend Russell Lesiw

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Russell Lesiw, who went to be with our Father in Heaven, on October 31st, 2025. Russell was born on August 1st, 1928 in Ansonia, CT, to Ukrainian immigrants, George and Mary Lesiw of Kolokolyn, Ukraine. Russell grew up in Ansonia, along with his younger brother George. Eventually, Russell would follow his ambitions and attend the University of Connecticut, where he would receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. Highly admired and respected, Russell soon held the position of Research Chemist at Nichols Engineering in Shelton (which would later be owned by Lord Corporation). He would eventually meet the love of his life, Patricia, at a Sunday school class he taught. He deeply adored her and they married in 1957. They settled in the town of Seymour in 1962 and raised their four young children: Daniel, Doreen, Paul and Darlene.

Always a dedicated family man, Russell also believed in the word of God and embodied a strong desire to share his faith with others. To this point, Russell became a student of the Moody Bible Institute years before meeting Patricia and later in life, he attended Yale Divinity School.

Russell, with the help of likeminded families, started a church, the “Seymour Evangelical Baptist Church” in 1972. They met originally in a school auditorium and then moved on to rent a vacant church in Seymour. Throughout this process, Patricia was always at his side, teaching a Sunday school class and forming a church choir.

Russell often considered himself bi-vocational, working as a chemist at Lord Corporation during the week, then on Sunday, as a pastor, preaching his sermon and sharing his faith to all. As time passed, Russell became an ordained minister, followed by the desire to build a church. Years later and with a very enthused congregation, they would go on to build the Seymour Evangelical Baptist Church on Mountain Road in Seymour. The church building was completed in 1987.

At the age of 65, Russell retired from Lord Corporation in Shelton. He would continue preaching the word of God at Seymour Evangelical Church for the next 15 years. At the age of 80, Russell officially retired as pastor and joined the First Baptist Church of Shelton, CT. He became an active member and a Teacher of an adult Sunday school class. His second vocation ended this Spring of 2025. Russell has left a mark that will not be forgotten. His friendly personality and natural ability to meet someone with a smile will be truly missed. He was loved and admired by many and well respected within his community. Russell will be dearly missed.

Russell is survived by his children: Daniel and his wife Kimberly of Norton, MA, Doreen and her son Samuel of Pottstown, PA, Paul and his wife Lynne of Monroe, CT. Russell’s Grandchildren: Jesse of Naugatuck, CT, Alexandra of Norton, MA, Adam of Boston, MA, Jonah of Monroe, CT and Samuel of Pottstown, PA. Russell was predeceased by his wife Patricia, his brother George and Russell’s youngest daughter Darlene.

To join the Memorial Service via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83193329261?pwd=FPZZbb9T4AQnBDBnQqrV9PBTmzIyHa.1

Donations can be made to:

First Baptist Church of Shelton

178 Leavenworth Road

Shelton, CT 06484

Russell’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 7th

at the First Baptist Church of Shelton

178 Leavenworth Road

Shelton, CT 06484

Schedule:

9:30-10:00 AM - Public Open Viewing

10:00 – 11:30 AM - Memorial Service

12:00 – 1:30 PM - Repass

2:00 PM – Burial, Located at Meadows Cemetery

117 Mountain Road

Seymour, CT 06483