Russell K. Andersen

Russell K. Andersen, 94, of Worcester, a retired Worcester Police Officer, died Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home after a short illness.

Russ leaves his wife of 63 years, Gladys (Pikiel) Andersen; two daughters, Karen Richardson and her husband Paul, and Kim Keating and her husband Dave, all of Worcester; four grandsons, Camron and Conor Richardson, and Matthew and Ryan Keating; his brother Bruce Andersen of Holden; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother Norman Andersen and his sister Inge Nicklasson. 

Russ was born in Worcester, son of Axel and Inger M. (Svensen) Andersen and lived in Worcester all his life.  

He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School where he excelled in athletics and played varsity baseball, basketball and football. He was presented an athletic achievement award by the President of the Norton Company.

Russ served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Russ was a Worcester Police Officer for 35 years, working for most of those years in the traffic division on motorcycle assignment.  He was a former president of the Police Credit Union and the Worcester Police Relief Association.

He believed in community involvement as a police officer and a citizen.  He was a volunteer for the March of Dimes.  He devoted endless hours to the Mercy Centre for Developmental Disabilities. He helped organize its Christmas in July Picnic for many years.  He chaperoned Mercy Centre student trips including visits to the Southwick Zoo and cruises on Boston Harbor.  He was also active with the Emerald Club and its mission to support the Mercy Centre and received several awards from the club including the Quiet Man Award recognizing his humility and generous spirit.     

Russ was relentless in helping to raise funds for several local charities and projects connected to Worcester Police Officers, especially with golf outings.   

He received the Excalibur Award from the American Cancer Society. He was given the Sheriff’s Department Community Service Award in 1996.  He was given the Key to the City of Worcester for his many years of community service with the Mercy Centre, the American Cancer Society and Hope Lodge.

Russell’s family wishes to thank the staffs at the VNA and Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their skilled and compassionate care.

Calling hours are Thursday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St. Worcester.  A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home.  Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.