Russell Greenwood Stiles, 60, of Newtown, died peacefully on September 4th 2023, after a brief illness.

He was born on May 10th, 1963, in Norwalk, Conn., to John & Jacquelyn Stiles. Russell was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Arneth, brother-in-law Gavin Arneth, niece Molly Arneth and nephew Danny Arneth.

Russell attended Newtown schools and learned how to work in a cafeteria kitchen. After graduation, he worked in the cafeteria at Newtown Middle School and Newtown High School. Later, he enjoyed working at Big Y in Stony Hill as a bagger until he “retired” in 2013.

He participated in Special Olympics for many years, earning multiple trophies and ribbons for bowling and bocce. He was an excellent bowler. He loved to get scratch off lottery tickets, and winning even a dollar was very exciting to him. He was an associate member of Botsford Firehouse for a couple of years while his brother-in-law was a member.

During the pandemic, his favorite hobby became sending cards with pictures of dogs and cats to family and friends. Most of his cards said similar things: “I’m thinking of you. I like my dogs a lot. I like my friends a lot. I hope to see you soon. Your buddy Russell.”

Russell enjoyed everything in life from grocery shopping (where he would happily push your cart and remind you of what you needed to buy) to any ride in a car (it never mattered to where, but he would provide directions as needed). He loved going to the movies, going out to eat, getting ice cream (vanilla with rainbow sprinkles), karaoke (singing Saturday in the Park), dance parties, his day program on Zoom, hanging out with his housemates, playing UNO, watching Frozen or Celtic Thunder, walking his dog, helping out around the house, basically everything. He woke up with a smile that lasted all day, every day and he will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Friends may greet the family on Monday, September 11th from 10 to 11 am at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St Newtown. This will be followed by a brief service at the funeral home and his burial at Newtown Village Cemetery on Elm Drive in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ability Beyond at abilitybeyond.org.