Russell Ward “Russ” Hyde, 79, of Essex, beloved husband of his late wife Susan Hyde, passed away peacefully on May 30 at Middlesex Hospital. His daughter Jaymie was at his bedside. Russ was born on June 23, 1943. He grew up in Westport and graduated from Staples High School in 1961. A gifted athlete, he played basketball and baseball and loved golf all his life.

After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years and married his childhood sweetheart Susan Lawder Hyde in 1965. He began college at the University of Denver and graduated from UConn with a degree in forestry. Russ had a lifelong love of nature and was known for his good looks, healthy tan, and full head of hair (blond in his youth, silver as he matured). His friendly disposition won him many friends. Russ, Susan, and their beloved daughter Jaymie moved to Essex in the 1970s. Russ began his career as a blacksmith for the Essex Forge (owned by Susan’s parents) and ended up owning it with Susan. The Forge produced handcrafted Colonial lighting and fireplace tools for Old Sturbridge Village and Saybrook Home, among other prestigious accounts. Russ later managed the North Sail catalog, worked as a sales rep for Tantor Media in Old Saybrook, and oversaw production at Leather Man in Essex. Because Russ and Sue lived in Essex for over 50 years, they were prominent members of the community.

Russ was an open, honest, and even-tempered man. An avid reader, he was still reading on his Kindle just hours before he died. In later years, he became a wonderful grandfather to his beloved grandsons, Liam and Henry.

Russ is survived by his daughter Jaymie Hyde of Essex and her husband Bob Pellerin; his grandsons, Liam and Henry Breckenfeld of Essex; his younger brother Howard and wife Wendy of Weekapaug, Rhode Island; his sister Judy Romano and her children, Jennifer and Jared of Stratford. He was predeceased by his older brother Richard.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer.