Russell B. Spaziano aka Herbert Smith Atkinson,Jr., age 72, a longtime resident of New Bedford passed away on Wednesday, May 21,2025 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long battle with Liver Cancer. Beloved husband of Marguerite (Welch) Spaziano with whom he shared many wonderful years of marriage.

He was Born in New Bedford on April 5th,1953; son of the late Herbert and Emily (Horne) Atkinson. Russell honorably served and protected our freedom while being enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Russell enjoyed fishing, reading and spending time with his grandchildren & family.

In addition to his wife, Russell is survived by his 7 daughters, Sherri Desmarais and Partner Matthew Calvao, Jamie Westgate, Sarah Westgate all of NewBedford, Tekeyla Atkinson-Hebert and husband John of South Middleboro, Misty Stringer of Worcester, Amara Carabella and husband Carlos of Lowell and Amy Atkinson and her partner Sean Tipton of Georgia; his 4 sons, James Atkinson and wife Melinda of Texas, Thomas Westgate and wife Michelle of Taunton, Dennis Westgate of Attleboro, and David Gracia and his Partner Dolly Manly of NewBedford; his sister Seretha Marlowe; his nephew Nelson Marlowe,Jr. of NewBedford; his niece Melissa Marlowe-Foss and her husband Brian of Tiverton, RI. Along with 8 granddaughters, 15 grandsons and 3 great-grandchildren.

Russell is predeceased by his parents; his daughter Joella Kathleen Westgate; his brother Samuel Atkinson and his brother-in-law Nelson Marlowe,Sr.

God bless him and may he rest peacefully in God's heavenly hands.

Services for Russell will be at a later date.