Russel A. Peck ’56

Russell, an eminent medievalist lauded as “the complete professor,” died at his home of 58 years, surrounded by family, Feb. 20, 2023. 

Princeton played a pivotal role in Russell’s life, transforming him from a dairy farm boy in Wyoming to a scholar who wrote his senior thesis on Wordsworth, his dissertation at Indiana University on Chaucer, and a groundbreaking book on John Gower. 

Crediting his Princeton mentor D. W. Robertson for his “flamboyant” teaching style, Russell enthralled and astonished his students at the University of Rochester, where he taught for nearly 60 years, by turning the English classroom into a dramatic stage where professor and students together brought literature to life. Russell was known to sing spontaneously in class and even dance on his desk. Outside the classroom, Russell staged medieval festivals and banquets, literary excursions, and an “X-term” seminar at his family farm in Ontario. Theatrical at heart, he inspired students for more than 25 years on his ambitious Theater in London trips.

Founder of the barbershop quartet the Princeton Boomerangs, who “always bounce back,” Russell possessed resilient energy and a lifelong love of music that brought him together with his wife Ruth, a pianist, and enlivened his household and community. 

He is survived by Ruth; children Demaree ’81, Nathan, and Gunther ’84; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.