Ralph “Russ” Joseph Lombardi was born on October 10, 1945, in Buffalo, NY to the late Modesto “Marty” and Irene “Arlene” Lombardi (Polk) and was taken too soon on September 25, 2021, in Bangor, Maine.
He leaves behind his best friend, soulmate, and wife of 51 years, Gail (King), his daughters and families: Ann Lombardi and Chris Hutchins, Toni and Nick Barboza, and three adoring grandsons: Austin, Michael, and Andy, his brother, Ron, Delane and family, and the whole King family, who will also miss Russ deeply.
Music has been a key element in Russ’ life since childhood and he was an incredibly talented musician and composer. He was well-versed in trumpet, bass, guitar, and keyboard. He completed his undergraduate degree at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and his Masters of Music with honors from the New England Conservatory. You could often find Russ at the keyboard composing and arranging at all hours. He had many original compositions published internationally, performed at Carnegie Hall, and he was even flown to Prague to oversee his music being recorded by the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a devoted music professor and then registrar at Berklee. He finished his career as a professor at the University of Maine at Augusta. His enthusiasm and talent inspired many students. You would often find him coaching student ensembles, judging competitions, and even gigging for fun. His grandson, Austin, inherited Russ’ musical talent and love for the bass. Even young Michael and Andy would love to play with his collection of musical instruments and host pretend parades with Grandpa.
Though music was clearly a passion, the biggest love in his life was his wife, Gail. They knew from the first moment that they would never be apart and truly were not in 51 years. If there ever was a couple that showed every day, in word and deed, what true love is…it was Russ and Gail. Their adventures have taken them from Michigan to Boston for school, settling in the south shore for work and cruising on their ocean boat the “AnnToni.” Russ was the captain and Gail was the first mate, but only because he beat her by two points on their Coast Guard exam. Next, they moved to Jackman, Maine, where they started their own newspaper, The Jackman Mooseriver Chronicle. They continued their escapades in Smithfield where they expanded their newspaper to a county-wide paper, The Somerset Gazette. Russ returned to his musical roots as faculty at UMA and then enjoyed retirement in Smithfield before moving to Winterport to be near Toni, Nick, and “the boys.”
One notable thing that was important to Russ was family. Russ and Gail ensured that their daughters grew up to be strong, independent women with integrity and a solid work ethic. He showed devotion and dedication by being one of the main caretakers in Marty’s final years. He always welcomed Nick as a son and valued his opinion and expertise. Russ also shared a love of politics and history with Chris. He especially adored his three grandsons. They will remember their grandpa’s sense of humor and silly side and he always enjoyed watching them have fun and giggle. He was incredibly creative and designed some of the most impressive Easter eggs and Jackolanters we’ve ever seen. He always made himself laugh at his own puns, riddles and jokes. Russ really looked forward to family gatherings and barbecues and talked about them long before and after they happened. Throughout his life, Russ has instilled a love for the outdoors in his family. They all have many memories of camping, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, hiking, boating, and their common curiosity and appreciation of nature. He always promoted an active lifestyle, being an avid runner most of his life, and finding a sport you loved. If you were brave enough to compete in our family badminton competitions, you would know that there was never any mercy. If you won, you know you earned it and Russ was hard to beat.
As an Army veteran himself, Russ felt strongly about honoring and supporting our military and first responders. Two of his favorite charities were the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project . In lieu of any flowers or gifts, the family asks that you consider donating to either of these organizations.
Russ will be missed more than any words can express.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Lombardi, please visit our flower store.
He leaves behind his best friend, soulmate, and wife of 51 years, Gail (King), his daughters and families: Ann Lombardi and Chris Hutchins, Toni and Nick Barboza, and three adoring grandsons: Austin, Michael, and Andy, his brother, Ron, Delane and family, and the whole King family, who will also miss Russ deeply.
Music has been a key element in Russ’ life since childhood and he was an incredibly talented musician and composer. He was well-versed in trumpet, bass, guitar, and keyboard. He completed his undergraduate degree at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and his Masters of Music with honors from the New England Conservatory. You could often find Russ at the keyboard composing and arranging at all hours. He had many original compositions published internationally, performed at Carnegie Hall, and he was even flown to Prague to oversee his music being recorded by the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a devoted music professor and then registrar at Berklee. He finished his career as a professor at the University of Maine at Augusta. His enthusiasm and talent inspired many students. You would often find him coaching student ensembles, judging competitions, and even gigging for fun. His grandson, Austin, inherited Russ’ musical talent and love for the bass. Even young Michael and Andy would love to play with his collection of musical instruments and host pretend parades with Grandpa.
Though music was clearly a passion, the biggest love in his life was his wife, Gail. They knew from the first moment that they would never be apart and truly were not in 51 years. If there ever was a couple that showed every day, in word and deed, what true love is…it was Russ and Gail. Their adventures have taken them from Michigan to Boston for school, settling in the south shore for work and cruising on their ocean boat the “AnnToni.” Russ was the captain and Gail was the first mate, but only because he beat her by two points on their Coast Guard exam. Next, they moved to Jackman, Maine, where they started their own newspaper, The Jackman Mooseriver Chronicle. They continued their escapades in Smithfield where they expanded their newspaper to a county-wide paper, The Somerset Gazette. Russ returned to his musical roots as faculty at UMA and then enjoyed retirement in Smithfield before moving to Winterport to be near Toni, Nick, and “the boys.”
One notable thing that was important to Russ was family. Russ and Gail ensured that their daughters grew up to be strong, independent women with integrity and a solid work ethic. He showed devotion and dedication by being one of the main caretakers in Marty’s final years. He always welcomed Nick as a son and valued his opinion and expertise. Russ also shared a love of politics and history with Chris. He especially adored his three grandsons. They will remember their grandpa’s sense of humor and silly side and he always enjoyed watching them have fun and giggle. He was incredibly creative and designed some of the most impressive Easter eggs and Jackolanters we’ve ever seen. He always made himself laugh at his own puns, riddles and jokes. Russ really looked forward to family gatherings and barbecues and talked about them long before and after they happened. Throughout his life, Russ has instilled a love for the outdoors in his family. They all have many memories of camping, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, hiking, boating, and their common curiosity and appreciation of nature. He always promoted an active lifestyle, being an avid runner most of his life, and finding a sport you loved. If you were brave enough to compete in our family badminton competitions, you would know that there was never any mercy. If you won, you know you earned it and Russ was hard to beat.
As an Army veteran himself, Russ felt strongly about honoring and supporting our military and first responders. Two of his favorite charities were the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project . In lieu of any flowers or gifts, the family asks that you consider donating to either of these organizations.
Russ will be missed more than any words can express.
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