NOVA Announces Passing of Former LO Campus Police Sergeant

Robert Hooe (Robbie) Russell passed away from health complications on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Novant Health UVA Prince William Medical Center.

Robbie was born on Tuesday, June 7, 1966, at Prince William Hospital to his late parents, Samuel B. and Nancy Jean (Hooe) Russell. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Samuel W. Russell in April 1984.

In June 1984, Robbie graduated from Osbourn Park High School. On his 21st birthday, in 1987, he was sworn in as an officer with the Prince William County Police Department, one of his proudest achievements. Robbie later worked in the private sector in the computer field before returning to public safety, first with Quantico Town Police, and later with Northern Virginia Community College Campus Police where he retired. After retirement, he worked in private security until his health prevented him from doing so.

If you knew Robbie, you knew how much he loved sports, especially his Redskins, Nationals and the Capitals, etc. From the time he was a small boy, he was able to reel off numerous sports statistics on teams, players, games and more. Robbie loved trips to the beach and especially enjoyed those trips in his Jeep.

He was well known for his sense of humor and his quick wit – a Russell family trademark. Nothing made him happier than knowing he’d left you smiling.

“Robbie was at NOVA when I arrived and was always enthusiastic about making the department better,” said NOVA Police Chief Daniel Dusseau. “He was passionate about training and made many friends at the College during his years here.”

Robbie is survived by his four daughters, Gina, Ashley, Kaylee and McKenna; his three older sisters and their husbands, Patti Johnston (Kenny, Deceased Dec 2018), Lisa Colgan (Ray), and Suzanne Ford (Jimmy), as well as many nieces and nephews, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from both the Hooe and Russell families.

Due to the recent COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, and by Governor’s order, family and friends may view Robbie’s funeral via web-cast on Friday, April 10, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dallas Slemp officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, or visit www.diabetes.org/donate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, under the direction of Michael Post. Please visit Robbie’s book of memories page and sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com.