Paul was born on May 7th, 1954 to Paul L.D. Russell, Sr. and Pauline (Stowe) Russell in Chelsea, MA. After graduating from Malden High School in 1972, he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in 1977 in history from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Then in June 1982, he received his Master’s Degree in Education Public Administration from Boston State College.

While studying for his master’s degree, he became one the first African-American firefighters in the Malden Fire Department while he was also employed as an inspector with the U.S. Customs Service. In 1983, he joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and worked throughout the East Coast. He received numerous merits for his performance in the field, including the Administrator Award for a massive crack cocaine seizure in New England (1996), Special Act & Service (1991,1998,1999), and the Award for Training (1991). He also served in the United States Coast Guard from 1990 to 1995, during which he was awarded the American Defense Medal 1st Gulf War.

In November 1989, he met his beautiful wife Patrice (Palmer) and they wed in August 1990, going on to have twins Paul and Pauline in 1993.

After retiring from DEA in 2011, he was an active member of the Rotary Club and a delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic Party. He founded and owned the P.L.D. Russell, Jr. and Associates - Private Security and Investigations. He enjoyed his time as a member of the Statewide Gospel Choir and The Andover Historical Society. He remained an active deacon in various churches since his ordination in 1999.

Paul is predeceased by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Patrice, son Paul L.D. Russell III, daughter Pauline Wheeler and son-in-law Tim Wheeler of Hanover, MD, grandson Joshua Russell Wheeler, sister Cynthia M. Russell of Peabody, brother Charles W. Russell and his wife Vanessa of Brockton, his sister Mary Ann Parker of Arlington, and half-sister Margaret Dorsey of Pikesville, MD. He will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, October 14th at Andover Baptist Church from 10:00am - 11:00am, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to The Rotary Club of Andover Charitable Trust, RotaryAndover.org, P.O. Box 1152, Andover, MA 01810.