Obituary for Russell R Beaulieu
Born July 21, 1929 in Dutch Neck New Jersey. His family moved to Hightstown in 1933 and spent his life dedicated to his friends and neighbors in Hightstown. A 1947 graduate of Hightstown High School, he played Soccer and Basketball at the Varsity level. He graduated from Perkinston Junior College in Gulfport Mississippi and then obtained a full scholarship to the University of Mississippi where he graduated with honors in 1953. He returned to Hightstown High School to teach English and History and to eventually assume varsity soccer coaching responsibilities. He taught for 41 years serving as teacher, guidance counselor and a Housemaster/Dean. During his 9 years as coach of the Rams, his teams won eight state championships, and missed the ninth by a single goal. He was inducted in the Hightstown High School of Fame as both a player and a coach and to the Mercer County Hall of fame as a Coach.
Known for his ability to motivate his players and for his sense of "team", Russ developed a number of outstanding players, many of whom went on to achieve All-County and All-State recognition. His reputation as an outstanding teacher only adds to the honors that he achieved while at Hightstown High School. Russ is remembered throughout the state as one of Hightstown High's most successful coaches.
Russ married the love of his life, Barbara Cliffe, of Cranbury in 1956. They moved to Plainsboro NJ in 1963 and with his brother John’s expertise, they built the home they lived in together, and raised their only child Amy. He could be found continuously working in his yard and often cutting down trees with his dear friend Paul Leleszi until his 90th year. None of that would have been possible without his friend John Bozowski constantly fixing his tractors and equipment. When he could no longer care for his expansive property, Roy Reinhart provided landscaping expertise and a deep friendship during his final year. He lost the love of his life Barbara in October 2021, 2 months shy of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Russ was a past Master of the Hightstown Apollo Lodge #41, served on the Plainsboro Twp Shade Commission and was an active member of St David’s Episcopal church serving on the Vestry and Chairman of the Search Committee who brought Mother Karin Mitchell to St. David’s.
Russell is predeceased by his parents Adelard and Olive Pearl Beaulieu, his brothers William, Adelard, John, and sisters Netta Mae Drumond and Edith Fahr. He is survived by his daughter Amy Mansue of Mullica Hill NJ (Glenn Hilsinger),and his beloved nieces and nephews. We offer our gratitude to Russell and Barbara’s care giver Ama Anim of Old Bridge, his college friend Glenn Huff of Ocean Springs MS, and our dear friend Debbie Baer of Robbinsville NJ for all of their love and dedication to both Barbara and Russell during their illnesses. A special note of thanks to the congregation of St David’s for all of their constant support, to Russell’s dedicated students and soccer players and to the Masonic Brothers of the Apollo Lodge, all of whom provided laughter companionship during this difficult last year of his life.
Burial Office and Requiem Eucharist will be offered 12pm on Monday, Dec. 19, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 90 South Main Street, Cranbury, NJ 08512 with The Rev. Mother Amy Cornell presiding. Calling hours will be held at the church from 10am until the time of the service. Masonic services will be held from 9:30am to 10am at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home of Hightstown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. David’s Episcopal Church, to the mortgage fund, 90 South Main Street, Cranbury, NJ 08512.
Known for his ability to motivate his players and for his sense of "team", Russ developed a number of outstanding players, many of whom went on to achieve All-County and All-State recognition. His reputation as an outstanding teacher only adds to the honors that he achieved while at Hightstown High School. Russ is remembered throughout the state as one of Hightstown High's most successful coaches.
Russ married the love of his life, Barbara Cliffe, of Cranbury in 1956. They moved to Plainsboro NJ in 1963 and with his brother John’s expertise, they built the home they lived in together, and raised their only child Amy. He could be found continuously working in his yard and often cutting down trees with his dear friend Paul Leleszi until his 90th year. None of that would have been possible without his friend John Bozowski constantly fixing his tractors and equipment. When he could no longer care for his expansive property, Roy Reinhart provided landscaping expertise and a deep friendship during his final year. He lost the love of his life Barbara in October 2021, 2 months shy of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Russ was a past Master of the Hightstown Apollo Lodge #41, served on the Plainsboro Twp Shade Commission and was an active member of St David’s Episcopal church serving on the Vestry and Chairman of the Search Committee who brought Mother Karin Mitchell to St. David’s.
Russell is predeceased by his parents Adelard and Olive Pearl Beaulieu, his brothers William, Adelard, John, and sisters Netta Mae Drumond and Edith Fahr. He is survived by his daughter Amy Mansue of Mullica Hill NJ (Glenn Hilsinger),and his beloved nieces and nephews. We offer our gratitude to Russell and Barbara’s care giver Ama Anim of Old Bridge, his college friend Glenn Huff of Ocean Springs MS, and our dear friend Debbie Baer of Robbinsville NJ for all of their love and dedication to both Barbara and Russell during their illnesses. A special note of thanks to the congregation of St David’s for all of their constant support, to Russell’s dedicated students and soccer players and to the Masonic Brothers of the Apollo Lodge, all of whom provided laughter companionship during this difficult last year of his life.
Burial Office and Requiem Eucharist will be offered 12pm on Monday, Dec. 19, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 90 South Main Street, Cranbury, NJ 08512 with The Rev. Mother Amy Cornell presiding. Calling hours will be held at the church from 10am until the time of the service. Masonic services will be held from 9:30am to 10am at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home of Hightstown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. David’s Episcopal Church, to the mortgage fund, 90 South Main Street, Cranbury, NJ 08512.