Russell Chicione

Russell “Russ, Rusty, Dad, Pops, Popa” Chicione, born on July 4th, 1951, passed away peacefully and courageously in the loving arms of his wife, Dee, on October 5th, 2024. He was surrounded by the family he chose (Dee, Amy, Chrissy, Jeff, James, Jeanna, Jon, Katie, Jillian, Colton, John, Sandy, Heather, Angie, Jen, GJ, Brent, Brittany, Bethany) whom he loved dearly. Russ bravely battled esophageal cancer for more than three years, having many treatments to exhaust all efforts for just a little more time with those he loved so much.

Russ led a vibrant and colorful life. He began working at his parents’ sports store in St. Albans at an early age and held various jobs in the area during his teenage years.

In the mid-70s, Russ moved to New York City for a job as a stagehand. This opportunity led him to perform as different characters in children’s shows, even walking on stilts to bring joy to children of all ages.

During the late 70s and early 80s, Russ worked as a stagehand for Todd Rundgren, touring across the United States and Europe. After several years on the road, he returned to St. Albans and opened his own house painting business. In the late 90s, Russ relocated to Rutland, Vermont, where he worked for O’Raine and Son with Kevin Sweeney until his retirement.

Russ met Dee in 1997, and they began dating in 2000. They married in 2001 and recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. Dee was the love of his life, and he was hers.

Russ was a true artist who created the most beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts including clocks, wooden horses, cars, and tables for those he loved. He was the best Popa to his grandchildren because he was always there to create the most fun experiences (everything from riding bikes, skydiving to parasailing) for them and offer his undivided attention.

Russ was the second son of Jules and Lorraine Chicoine.  He is survived by his wife, Denise “Dee” Laflamme Chicoine; daughters, Amy Eastman of Williston, Vermont, and Christine (James) Candon of New Orleans, Louisiana; his son, Jeffry (Jeanna Sinn); and his grandchildren, Jonathan, Katie, and Jill (children of Chrissy), and Colton and Boden (children of Jeff). He is also survived by his brother, John (Sandy); nieces and nephews, including very special niece and nephew, Jennifer (G.J.) Garrow; and a special cousin, June (Bill) Gates.

There are too many people to thank individually, but please know how very fond he was (and we are) of all the members of the Foley Cancer Center including Dr. Eisemann and Lenny DeLorenzo and RAVNAH including Christine, Alex and Karyn. Please accept our deepest gratitude.

There were no calling hours, per his request. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

We hope you now always have a belly full because we know you’re asking “whatcha got to eat?”

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.