Russell W. Ahlquist

Russell William Ahlquist, 91, beloved husband of Evelyn Peterson Ahlquist, of Kensington died Thursday November 24, 2011. Born August 23, 1920 in New Britain, CT, he was the son of the late Carl Albin Ahlquist and Sigrid Swanson Ahlquist. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1938. He served as a medical technician in the Army Medical Corps, 103rd general hospital in the European theater of operations during World War II and was discharged with military honors. Early in his career he was a draftsman with The Stanley Works and later a process engineer at New Britain Machine. He began his Emhart Corporation career with The American Hardware Corporation in 1948 later becoming vice president of manufacturing before his appointment in 1969 as a corporate group vice president. He retired from Emhart in 1977 as Group President, Specialty Products. Russell's education included undergraduate degrees with high honors in both Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering from The University of Hartford. In 1959 he completed his Masters in Business Administration at the University of Connecticut, again with honors, where he was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. In 1967 he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. Russell was an astute investor and enjoyed golf, particularly with the Connecticut State Seniors, bowling and family time. He was a 57 year member of the Masons belonging to Friendship Lodge of AF & AM and a life-long member of First Lutheran Church of the Reformation in New Britain. He was a director of J. M. Ney Company; a corporator of The Hospital of Central Connecticut and the former Berlin Savings Bank; and a regent of the University of Hartford. He was a long time member and a director of Shuttle Meadow Country Club. In addition to his wife of 71 years, he is survived by his daughter Beverly A. Harris and her husband Donald C. Harris of Berlin. Two grandsons Todd C. Harris and his wife Cynthia of Plantsville, and Mark W. Harris and his wife Jennifer of Berlin. He leaves four great-grandchildren Eric, Abigail, Nicole, and Jacob Russell Harris. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant son, Keith Russell Ahlquist, three sisters Evelyn V. Ahlquist, Lillian Peplau, Ruth Peplau and five brothers Roger, Kenneth, Eric, Waldo, and Everett Ahlquist. Russell was a very special person. He took a genuine interest in you and could offer wise advice coupled with compassion and love. He took great pride in his family and each individual accomplishment. His influence will live on through his loved ones. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Ledgecrest Health Care Center. Funeral and burial are private. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 or a charity of the donors choice. The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by clicking on "Add Condolences" at the bottom of this page.

Russell W. Ahlquist

August 23, 1920 - November 24, 2011

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Russell W. Ahlquist

August 23, 1920 - November 24, 2011

365 Days of Grief Support

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