Russell J. Bardwell, 83, of Bernardston, died peacefully on November 11, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on September 17, 1941, in Montague, MA, to the late Raymond J. and Shirley (Atherton) Bardwell. Russ grew up in Bernardston, attending local schools and graduating from Pioneer Valley Regional School, where he played basketball and baseball. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Springfield College.   
Russ retired as Superintendent of Mt. Tom State Reservation in 2001. A long-time resident of Pelham, he was the Recreation Director for the Town of Amherst from 1972-1982. He was actively involved in youth sports, serving as a coach and president of the Amherst Youth Football League, and also coached youth basketball, Little League, and Babe Ruth baseball. Russ enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing throughout his life.
He is survived by his four children, Kim Ortiz and her husband Dave of Amherst, Sandi Kosloski of Amherst, Erik Bardwell and his wife Jenn of Bernardston, and Jason Bardwell and his wife Sabrina of South Hadley; eight grandchildren, Drew, Mia, and Lily Kosloski; Kenzie and Cassidy Bardwell; and Riley, Chloe, and Josie Bardwell; and two great-grandchildren, Reagan and Will. He also leaves his sister, Raelene Bardwell and her wife Nancy Clifford of Bennington, VT, and his companion, Dolly Flynn of Palm Bay, FL.
Besides his parents, Russ was predeceased by his son-in-law, Todd Kosloski, and his brother, Ronald Bardwell. 
Funeral services will be private.  Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. 
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.  For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.