66, passed away on August 26th, 2015. Russ was the son of the late W. Donald and Evelyn M. Lancaster. He was the husband of Nancy R. (Smith) Lancaster, father of Kimberly D. Lancaster Hageman and Russell Craig Lancaster Jr., brother of David D. and the late Douglas Paul Lancaster, grandfather to Abigail Grace Lancaster Hageman, Maxwell Joseph Lancaster Hageman, Brooke Riley Lancaster and Colin Russell Lancaster and several nieces and nephews.
Russ and Nancy were married for 45 years after meeting in Lincoln Junior High School and proudly celebrated their "childhood sweetheart" marriage. He was most proud of his children for the great human beings they are and their accomplishments. When Abby, his first granddaughter was born, she called him "Papa" and each subsequent grandchild made it stick. He would quickly correct anyone who called him Grandpa! His grandchildren were his greatest source of joy.
Russ celebrated life with Nancy enjoying many trips across America, sun-filled trips to Mexico to their favorite destination in Puerto Vallarta, blue water cruises to the Caribbean and winters in Florida. Russ served in the United States Army Reserves for 8 years achieving the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Russ was the owner of "Casters Pub" in Pawtucket for 6 years prior to health problems forcing his retirement. This followed a long career in the automobile business. A founding member of the RI Sinners Car Club, Russ was an avid old car enthusiast. He restored many of his cars, some of which were found in old barns, not running, brought home on a flat bed truck. He owned at least twenty-five old cars over his lifetime. He drove all of his cars to car shows, all around the east coast, refusing to treat them as "untouchable" because the fun was in driving them.
Funeral Services will be on Monday, August 31st at 10 am (arrive by 9:45 AM) at the Keefe Funeral Home located at Five Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, RI 02865. Friends and family are welcome to join the procession with their antique cars on a tribute ride to Moshassuck Cemetery in Central Falls. Calling hours will also be held at Keefe Funeral Home on Sunday August 30th from 4 - 7 PM.
Please omit flowers and make a donation to your favorite charity or Smithfield Fire Department, 607 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828, in Russ's memory. For online condolences, please visit Russ’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/russ.lancaster.5