Obituary for Russell L. "Russ" Trent
Russell L. Trent, age 78, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on May 29, 2020 surrounded, in spirit, by his adoring family and fiancé.
Russell was born March 6, 1942 to parents Lillian Monroe and Russell Trent. Russell lost his father at the age of 11 and as the only son of four children, he was lovingly doted upon by his mother and sisters, Elaine (Trent), Margot (Caves) and Marilou (Moura) his entire life. At a young age, Russell was taken under the wing of his brother-in-law, Thomas “Uncle Tom” McHugh, who guided him toward his career as a Master plumber and pipe fitter with the Local 76. His career included positions with The Wetherell Corp and Tucker Mechanical where he lead remarkable projects such as the construction of the CT Science Center, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos.
In 1965, Russell married the first love of his life, Arleen Braun, enjoying 42 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2007. They raised three loving sons, Russell (48) and “the twins” Christopher and Scott (46) who loved him beyond words. Russell was devoted to his boys; coaching every possible sports team, teaching them to drive (well before the age of 16), sharing the tools of his trade (not always with safety in mind) and taking them on family adventures to Action Park. He embraced his family with riches that had nothing to do with money and his love was felt in everything he did.
In addition to his boys, Russell is survived by each of their devoted families, who know him affectionately as “Papa”. Russell & Jennifer Trent of West Hartford, CT and their children Jordyn (16) & Nolan (13), who knew Papa as their #1 fan, attending every soccer, hockey and lacrosse game while coaching from the side lines. Scott & Gina Trent of Wilmington, NC and their children Christian (9) who embraced Papa’s love for Star Wars and the “Big Kid” Star Wars Legos he would give him & Teddy (7) who simply appreciated how sweet, loving and kind Papa was. And Christopher “Gus” & Emily Trent of Winchester, MA and their children Grady (12) who enjoyed Papa’s “complicated” gifts, including robots and roller coasters advised for children well beyond his years; Charlotte “Poppy” (9) who loved his snuggles and “scratches” & Beckett (7) who enjoyed the all the treats found in the endless candy jar. Papa’s 7 grandkids loved him tremendously and will hold on to these memories.
Russ was fortunate to find a second love of his life with fiancée, Rose “Ro” Murray who loved him unconditionally and embraced his entire family as his own and he, hers. Because of Ro, he grew his family. Loving Ro’s children, Diana Carnelli Norris and Joseph Carnelli, Jr., their spouses Russell Norris and Kathleen Carnelli, and the 5 grandchildren, Daelon, Isabella, Olivia, Cecelia and Julia.
In addition to his large family, Russ is survived by his adoring life-long friends Matt & Carol Sapere and his “Friday Night Group”.
Russell Trent led a remarkable life filled with adoration from many. He will be remembered for his love to debate, endless generosity, willingness to lend a hand to anyone’s household needs, but most importantly, the way he always made you feel truly loved.
A private burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will occur at a later date when all who loved him can safely attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Hospital cardiac or dementia research. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHiilbornBreen.com
Russell was born March 6, 1942 to parents Lillian Monroe and Russell Trent. Russell lost his father at the age of 11 and as the only son of four children, he was lovingly doted upon by his mother and sisters, Elaine (Trent), Margot (Caves) and Marilou (Moura) his entire life. At a young age, Russell was taken under the wing of his brother-in-law, Thomas “Uncle Tom” McHugh, who guided him toward his career as a Master plumber and pipe fitter with the Local 76. His career included positions with The Wetherell Corp and Tucker Mechanical where he lead remarkable projects such as the construction of the CT Science Center, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos.
In 1965, Russell married the first love of his life, Arleen Braun, enjoying 42 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2007. They raised three loving sons, Russell (48) and “the twins” Christopher and Scott (46) who loved him beyond words. Russell was devoted to his boys; coaching every possible sports team, teaching them to drive (well before the age of 16), sharing the tools of his trade (not always with safety in mind) and taking them on family adventures to Action Park. He embraced his family with riches that had nothing to do with money and his love was felt in everything he did.
In addition to his boys, Russell is survived by each of their devoted families, who know him affectionately as “Papa”. Russell & Jennifer Trent of West Hartford, CT and their children Jordyn (16) & Nolan (13), who knew Papa as their #1 fan, attending every soccer, hockey and lacrosse game while coaching from the side lines. Scott & Gina Trent of Wilmington, NC and their children Christian (9) who embraced Papa’s love for Star Wars and the “Big Kid” Star Wars Legos he would give him & Teddy (7) who simply appreciated how sweet, loving and kind Papa was. And Christopher “Gus” & Emily Trent of Winchester, MA and their children Grady (12) who enjoyed Papa’s “complicated” gifts, including robots and roller coasters advised for children well beyond his years; Charlotte “Poppy” (9) who loved his snuggles and “scratches” & Beckett (7) who enjoyed the all the treats found in the endless candy jar. Papa’s 7 grandkids loved him tremendously and will hold on to these memories.
Russ was fortunate to find a second love of his life with fiancée, Rose “Ro” Murray who loved him unconditionally and embraced his entire family as his own and he, hers. Because of Ro, he grew his family. Loving Ro’s children, Diana Carnelli Norris and Joseph Carnelli, Jr., their spouses Russell Norris and Kathleen Carnelli, and the 5 grandchildren, Daelon, Isabella, Olivia, Cecelia and Julia.
In addition to his large family, Russ is survived by his adoring life-long friends Matt & Carol Sapere and his “Friday Night Group”.
Russell Trent led a remarkable life filled with adoration from many. He will be remembered for his love to debate, endless generosity, willingness to lend a hand to anyone’s household needs, but most importantly, the way he always made you feel truly loved.
A private burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will occur at a later date when all who loved him can safely attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Hospital cardiac or dementia research. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHiilbornBreen.com