Russell E. Carter, a retired Reading Fire Captain and lifelong Reading resident, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday morning, November 12. He was 94 years of age.

Born on September 27, 1925, he was the son of the late Thomas, and the late Mabel (Rice) Carter. "Russ," as he was known to his family and friends, was the husband of Betty (Nicholson) Carter.

Russell was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II. He served in the Pacific Theatre as a Naval Photographer. After the war ended, he continued his military service with the Navy Reserve, earning his Honorable Discharge in 1955.

Following his Naval service, Russ joined the Reading Fire Department serving the Town of Reading for 32 years. Recognized for his technical knowledge and leadership, he rose to the rank of Captain; retiring from the fire department in 1985.

Russ was a lifelong avid photographer, amassing an impressive collection of historic photographs throughout his life. Russ was a member of the Photographic Historical Society of New England.

Russ was also a motorcycle enthusiast. After retirement he and Betty enjoyed touring the country together on his motorcycle into their 70s.

Russ was active in the Masonic fraternity. He was a longtime member of the Good Samaritan Lodge, AF&AM in Reading; he was a member of the Knights Templar, a 32nd Degree Mason, and he was a member of the Aleppo Temple Shriners.

In addition to his wife Betty, Russ is survived by two daughters, June Parsons and her husband Robert of Marstons Mills; and Elaine Weiner and her husband Edward of Burlington; and he was preceded in death by one son, the late Steven Carter. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jeremy Parsons, Melinda Hreczuck, Shoshana Rothman and her husband Joshua, Jonathan Weiner and his wife Sara, and four great grandchildren, Julian, Maksym, Samson and Madeline.

Visiting hours will be at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (cor. of Woburn St.) Reading Tuesday evening, November 19 from 4-8 pm; with a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00 am, followed by burial with Military Honors at the Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading.

Contributions in Russell's memory may be made to the Reading Food Pantry, Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem St, Reading, MA 01867 or Bread of Life, 54 Eastern Ave, Malden, MA 02148.