ARMSTRONG, Russell John 89, of Lexington, MA and St. Augustine, FL passed away suddenly at home on July 22, 2015. Russell was the son of Johnston and Anna Armstrong, both deceased. Russell was the last of his immediate family. Sisters Nora Zelck, Louise Healey, and Mildred Armstrong, as well as brothers, Robert, Howard, and Leslie, all predeceased him. Russ is survived by his long and devoted friend of 65 years, Reed Kingston Taylor, Thomas Reed Caswell, and several other family members and friends. Russ graduated from Lexington High School in 1944. He attended and graduated from Emerson College and University of Massachusetts. Russ served meritoriously in the US Army during World War II and received several decorations and citations including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a teacher at Beverly Middle School and then went on to teach at Wayland Junior High where he taught English and was head of the English Department. He enjoyed gardening, raising a variety of dogs, collecting antiques, reading mystery novels, and listening to piano music. He was a very compassionate person and a good friend to all those who knew him. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 29 at St. Brigid Church, 2001 Mass Ave., Lexington at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visitation at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd., LEXINGTON, prior to the Mass from 9am to 9:45am. Interment will be at Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Russell's honor to the Lexington Historical Society or to your local ASPCA or Humane Society.