***All Services Will Be Held at Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 South Main Street, West Bridgewater

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 South Main Street, West Bridgewater. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, at 10:00 AM at St. Ann Church, 675 North Main Street, Raynham. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be held at a later date.

Russell J. Dwyer of Raynham, surrounded by his loving family, passed peacefully on February 20, 2026, at the age of 72.

Russ was the beloved husband of Colleen (Ostrander) Dwyer, with whom he shared 53 devoted years of marriage. He was the loving son of the late Richard and Muriel (Trevains) Dwyer, and a devoted father to Jeni Mather and her husband George of Easton, Daniel Dwyer of Raynham, and Casey Dwyer of Raynham.

He was the cherished brother of Linda Bouley and her late husband Gil of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Sharon L. Pascarelli and her husband Bob of East Bridgewater; and the late Richard E. Dwyer Jr. and his late wife Janet. He was also a dear brother-in-law to Mark Ostrander and his wife Missi of Pennsylvania; Daryl Ostrander and his wife Diane of Halifax; and the late Dawn Kenney and her husband Alan of Stoughton.

Russ was a proud and loving “Grampa” to George III, Nathan, Russell, Ellianna, Kenzie Rae, Riely, and Kasey. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins near and far, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

Russ alongside his high school sweetheart Colleen was a graduate of Whitman-Hanson High School, Class of 1971. They were married in 1973. He later trained through the IBEW apprenticeship program, graduating in 1978 as a journeyman electrician — an accomplishment he was deeply proud of — and remained a devoted member of the IBEW Local 103 brotherhood throughout his career. During his apprenticeship, Russ received a life-saving award for performing CPR and saving a fellow worker. His work took him to West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Washington state before ultimately returning home to Massachusetts, where he was proud to continue his work through the union.

Despite many serious health challenges and years of physical struggles, Russ faced life with remarkable strength and gratitude. After receiving a double lung transplant in 2017, he embraced his second chance fully — mentoring and encouraging other transplant patients, expressing deep appreciation for his donor and caregivers, and living each day with renewed purpose. In the years that followed, he and Colleen treasured life together, enjoying new adventures, time with family, and even discovering a shared love of golf that brought them great joy, even though most of the time it meant Russ driving a cart for Colleen.

He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loving Grampa who cherished time with his grandchildren. For years, Russ thoroughly enjoyed coaching baseball and softball for his children right up until he became disabled. Once disabled, Russ discovered a new love and talent for oil painting, especially in the wet-on-wet style. He loved learning from Bob Ross and regularly created beautiful masterpieces. Russ loved music, was talented at playing the guitar, and had a God-given gift for singing. He was known affectionately as the family’s “Karaoke King,” especially when singing “Live Like You Were Dying,” a song that perfectly reflected the spirit with which he lived. He and Colleen were also passionate New England Patriots fans and proud season ticket holders for 40 years, sharing countless memories cheering on their team together. Russ found equal joy in the simple gifts of nature and had a special love for animals, always quick to notice a bird overhead or any creature that crossed his path.

Russ will be remembered as a humble, kind, and larger-than-life soul who had a gift for making people feel special. A wonderfully talkative and warm presence, he could strike up a conversation anywhere and often left new friends and laughter in his wake. He believed deeply in kindness, in sharing a smile or a compliment, and in reminding others that every day was a gift. His outlook on life was simple and steadfast: “It is what it is… Every day you wake up is a good one.”

Above all, Russ’s greatest love was his beloved wife, Colleen — his high school sweetheart and lifelong partner. He lovingly called her “Jellybean,” and she affectionately called him “Pal,” a reflection of the deep friendship, devotion, and enduring love they shared through every chapter of their 56 years together.

Russ’s life was defined not only by the love he gave to his family, but by the countless small moments of kindness, humor, and connection he shared with others. He will be remembered for his joyful greetings, his easy conversations, his generous spirit, and the steady, loving presence he brought to those around him. His memory will live on in the stories told, the laughter shared, and the love he leaves behind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell J. Dwyer, please visit our floral store.