Russsell T. Gilfoy

Russell Gilfoy, 86, Artist, Educator, and Appreciated Family Member

Russell Gilfoy, an accomplished artist, devoted educator, and longtime resident of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2026, at the age of eighty-six.

He was born on May 19th, 1939, son of the late Richard Stewart Gilfoy born in Nova Scotia and Frances Diemer Gilfoy, born in Boston.

Russie devoted his life to the arts, attending Massachusetts College of Arts, teaching in the Millis Public Schools and making homes in Needham, Gloucester, and Boston. Boston held a special place in his heart, it was where he spent many meaningful years working at the Museum of Fine Arts, surrounded by the creativity he loved.

Some of his happiest memories were traveling through Europe with his late brother, Robert, Spending time with his cousins and creating a commissioned painting for the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. That piece, which he cherished deeply, portrays the International Dory Races, a tribute to the “bond of kinship” forged when Gloucester, Massachusetts came to Lunenburg’s aid after the Great Storm of 1927.

He is survived by his cousins Virginia Paduano and Joe Sheehan, along with several other close cousins; his brother Richard Gilfoy; nephew Richard Gilfoy; nieces Kathryn Gilfoy Oliver and Linda Gilfoy Bratica; as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews.  

A burial service and celebration of life will be held during the last week of May. The details will be posted on the Eaton Funeral Home of Needham Massachusetts website. In lieu of flowers please donate to https://bit.ly/MassArt_in_memory_of_Russell_Gilfoy

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