Russell A. Prosser

Old Orchard Beach

SCARBOROUGH—Russell A. Prosser, 87, of Old Orchard Beach died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

He was born in West Burke, Vermont, on May 25, 1934, the son of Pearl and Addington Prosser.

Russell graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School in 1952.  He joined the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1953 to 1957 as a member of the Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, NY. After military service, he graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, where he excelled as a member of the golf team.

As an educator, Russell was a middle school math teacher in the Lewiston and Wiscasset schools.  For several summers, he was a lifeguard on the beach in Old Orchard and tended bar at The Sandbar.  He also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Sanford and Saco Centers of the University of Southern Maine. He began working for the Maine Turnpike in 1991, and after 19 years of service, Russell retired in 2010.

Russell had a lifelong passion for good food and prepared amazing meals, created with his own special touch. He received the 2006 Super Chef Award for outstanding achievement in the veal entrée category, presented by friends who relished his cooking.

When Russell wasn't in the kitchen, you could find him on the golf course. He was a life long member at the Biddeford Saco Country Club and a several time winner in the Southern Maine Seniors, maintaining a single-digit handicap well into his 60s.

Russell is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon; two sons, Christopher and Ryan; and a granddaughter, Emily Prosser. A loving dad, he passed along valuable life lessons to his sons while teaching them to ski, play golf, cook, and most of all, the importance of enjoying life and having fun. Biking on Kiawah Island, touring the Cabot Trail, and savoring the food and wine in Italy were among the high points he and Sharon shared on their travels in retirement.

Consistent with Russell's wishes, there will be no formal service and Russell's ashes will travel to his favorite places. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-6PM Friday, October 29, 2021 at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco. To leave online condolences, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

Donations in Russell's name can be made to MAPS Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 676, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 and to Biddeford-Saco Country Club Youth Golf Program, PO Box 448, Saco, ME 04072