WILMINGTON — Russ was born and raised in Meriden, CT, the oldest son of Clarence (Jim) and Florine (Flo) Page. In the summers, his family spent time on Cape Cod. It was there that he met the love of his life, Joan Currier, when he was just fourteen years old. They married six years later. The pair recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Together, Russ and Joan modeled teamwork as he pursued his education and training in reproductive physiology while they raised their young family. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut, and his Ph.D. from Rutgers University, followed by postdoctoral research at West Virginia University. After several years of teaching (at Rutgers University, the University of Detroit, and the University of Georgia), Russ launched his business, Reproductive Progress. Through his work in embryo transfer, he served countless farmers across the Southeast, helping them develop their herds by leveraging the best genetics possible for their cows. Russ was a proud member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association for many years. After retiring, Russ and Joan moved to Wilmington to enjoy life by the ocean and be closer to family.
Russ was a skilled grill master, was always ready to cook a delicious breakfast and would be on his way to the store before you knew you needed something. He was a man of few words and much empathy. He was known for his whole-faced grin, keen sense of humor, fierce loyalty, and tremendous grit. He had a gift for storytelling and captured tales from his experiences on farms in his book, Farming in My Heart, Science in My Head, and Unforeseen Peril in My Work. He loved cows, farms, and farmers and was an advocate for farmland protection, especially in Oconee County, GA, where his business was located. He was by nature a peacemaker, but he tirelessly set aside his comfort and used his voice to help farmers protect their land.
Russ loved his family and friends even more than the cows, which is really saying something. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Joan, children, Kim Perry (Rob) and Bret Page (Mary), two grandchildren: Elizabeth Lamb (Will) and Nick Perry (Molly), and three great-granddaughters, Hazel, Thea, and Millie (due in January). Russ is also survived by his three brothers, Fred (Kathy), Jimmy, and Tommy (Kathie), and Joan’s siblings, Steve (Anita), Cheryl, and Brad (Nancy), with whom he shared many cherished memories. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Because Russ trusted in Jesus, we know he is whole again, back to his whole-faced grin and throw-his-head-back laughter. He’ll be cheering us on at heaven’s gate when our days come.
The family is grateful to the Reverend Caroline Jinkins and the caring congregation of Little Chapel on the Boardwalk for being tremendous friends.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to Little Chapel on the Boardwalk or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Russ’s memory.
