Haverhill: Russell A. "Rusty" Henderson, 65, a native and lifelong resident of Haverhill, died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Friday, June 9, 2023. The son of the late William and Claire (Dodier) Henderson, he attended Saint Joseph Grammar School and graduated from Haverhill High School with the Class of 1975. He enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a Specialist 4 with the 92nd MP Company and was honorably discharged in 1979. Russ was employed for thirty years as a security guard at Phillips Andover Academy and retired in 2022.

A member of the former Saint Joseph Parish of Haverhill, Russ was a member of Troop 27 of the Boy Scouts of America as a young man and was a member of the Haverhill Youth Hockey Program and the Saint Joseph Little League. In his later years he enjoyed bowling as a member of the Saint Joseph Bowling League and was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, and also enjoyed watching the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. He also enjoyed music and played the autoharp at family gatherings. He also composed music and poems. An avid reader, Russ's favorite author was Charles Dickens and he also enjoyed spending time working in his yard and tending flower and vegetable gardens.

The favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews, he was a kind soul who was generous to charities and possessed a forgiving and gentle nature when dealing with others.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by a brother William L. Henderson, Jr. and his wife Betty Anne, of Waterford, Maine, four sisters, Marcelle "Marcie" Ryan of Haverhill, Suzanne Ouellette of Plaistow, NH, Cheryl Bergman and her husband John of Durham, NH, and Wendy DiMauro and her husband Frank of Haverhill, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Randolph "Randy" Henderson, his brothers-in-law, Michael Ouellette and John Ryan, and a niece Michele Ouellette.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Russ's Life Celebration to be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 15, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home and will be followed by burial with military honors in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Haverhill, MA. Donations in his name may be made to Suzie Q's ResQ, 16358 Parkside, Moreno Valley, California, 92551. Those sending flowers are asked to please omit lilies due to family allergies. To send a message of condolence to the family or to share a cherished memory, please visit: www.brooksidechapelfh.com