WILMOT - Russell E. Jewell Sr., 77, of Jewell Road, died Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at Summercrest in Newport.

He was born July 9, 1932, in Groton, the son of Frank H. and Edith (Gage) Jewell Jr.

He had been owner and operator of R.E. Jewell Construction Corp. for 50 years. Russ lived in Wilmot since 1953 and had been wintering in Wildwood, Fla., since 1998.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion Post 40.

While in Florida, he enjoyed his golf cart and playing shuffleboard. He also liked traveling, reading and auctions. Animals were so important to him and he loved his Springer Spaniel, Polly, and his two cats, Missy and Minn.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Sue of Wilmot and Wildwood, Fla.; a son and his wife, Russell and Traci Jewell Jr. of Wilmot; a daughter, Robin Jewell of Wilmot; three granddaughters, Tristin, Tess and Nicole; a grandson and his wife, Joshua and Emily Judkins; a great-grandson, Trenton; a brother, Milton Jewell of Cornish; nieces, nephews and cousins; and his extended family, John, Kim, Pam and Wendy and their families.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main St., New London.

Graveside service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Pine Hill Cemetery, Wilmot.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 407, Ashland, Mass., 01721.