Russell Stanley Gilmore
1936 – 2022
Russell Stanley Gilmore, 85, retired curator-director of the Harbore Defense Museum New York City, died April 8 in New Paltz, NY. He also served as a consultant in military/firearms history for the Cambridge University Press and was an NRA certified rifle, pistol, and firearms instructor.
Russell was born December 27, 1936 in Kansas City, MO to Howard Stanley Gilmore and LaVange (Westcott) Gilmore; both preceded him in death, as did his brother, David McFadden Gilmore and a half-brother, Franklin Shedric Gilmore. He married Linda (Prinz) Gilmore (deceased) whom he later divorced. Their only child, Elka Ruth Gilmore, born in 1960, died in 2019 in San Francisco, CA.
Russell leaves behind his life partner, Renata Russell of New Paltz, whom he often referred to as his “wife”, as well as countless friends. Also surviving are a niece, Margaret Oberhelman of Laurel, NE, and two nephews. Stanley Gilmore of Spokane, WA, and David Gilmore of Greenfield, NH.
In his retirement, Russell was co-founder and vice president of Three’s a Charm Tricycle Club of New Paltz. He had a lifelong love of nature and was a great grower of things green including paw paw and persimmon trees, goose and lingon berries, and currants. Okra and rhubarb were among his favorite vegetables. There was never a dull moment with Russell Gilmore.
Russell was a US Army veteran, serving from 1960-1962. He graduated magna cum laude, Texas Christian University in 1963. At the University of Wisconsin, he earned his master of arts degree in 1965 and his doctor of philosophy in American History in 1974.
Russell’s professional career included supervisor of field services, State History Society Wisconsin, Madison, 1965-1968, and curator of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 1971-1977. He became curator of the Army Museum System in 1977 and was curator-director of the Harbor Defense Mueum New York City, Brooklyn, 1980-1995.
Russell was interred at the Rosendale NY Natural Cemetery. Contributions in remembrance of Russell Gilmore can be made to Fulbright University Vietnam USA Inc. at www.tuiv.org, 1763 Great Plain Ave., Needham. MA 02492-1208 or the charity of your choice.
Join the family! 
