Russ Levine has been an Unsung Hero before.
But that was nearly 3 years ago. It’s time for an encore.
Francoise Jaffe nominates the longtime Colonial Druggist owner — and she’s right.
Francoise says: “I think of him as an inspiration. He is still working past 90, still whistling, still greeting every customer with warmth and humor.
“He has also helped us out countless times dealing with running out of meds, not being able to reach a physician, trying to solve insurance issues not to delay us too much, helping my French family when they were here and needed assistance, and on and on.
“He is a fixture in town, with a personalized, warm and helpful connection. I always hang up after talking to him with a smile on my face.”
Russ Levine, at his familiar spot. (Photo/John Karrel)
Thank you, Russ Levine — the man behind one of the last 2 non-chain pharmacies in Westport — for all you do, for all of us.
You’ve done it for many decades, starting in Colonial Green. (You kept the name, after moving to the Fresh Market Plaza).
Here’s to many more years, making us smile thanks to yours.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Bravo!, wonderful man, wonderful experience at Colonial
Russ is the BEST! He even caught some drug interaction issues with my Dad’s medications where the doctors had all the information and didn’t take the time to look at it.
Your readers may also be interested to know that among his many accomplishments, Russ is a pool shark, a sailor, a fisherman and a connoisseur of chopped liver.
Russ is a very special person and we appreciate his care and his humor!! May he continue his chosen profession for us all. !
We agree. Russ is indeed VERY SPECIAL. There must be some “down days” for Russ but he never shows them. What is more his example cascades down to each member of the staff.
Russ: HIP Hip Hooray!
Dorothy & John Francis
Russ helped both my family and my wife’s family for many decades. A wonderful pharmacist and an even better person.
Love the Colonial, Russ and staff!
Prior to Colonial Green, Russ was at Dorain Drug on Main St. I’ve known him since I was a little kid. Russ and his staff are all pretty special people. Where else can you go where when they see you walking thru the parking lot your scripts are on the counter awaiting you. If I call and Russ answers it’s “how you doing Dave?”..The few times that I go to CVS for other items I look at the line at the prescription counter and chuckle.
Russ is an absolute gentleman. Our family has been a customer of colonial druggist for 22 years.
Just one in a million.
Thank you Russ.
JI bet he knew my dad, Sid Siegel, who owned Westport Pharmacy for many years…those guys relied on each other and knew how to work cooperatively. My appreciation for their integrity.
Agreed! Though Russ, do you feel “unsung”? If yes, I warn you – the next time I see you I’ll serenade you!
You sure are our hero( Sung, Unsung… “Super-hero status” actually)!Thank you Russ
A town treasure!
RUSS has been a constant in my life here in Westport! When I moved to here from the Island of Cyprus in 1997 with three children under 4.5 yrs we had many needs. My boys suffered from asthma but the medication they were on in Europe was not approved here.
Russ has always been exceedingly cheerful, helpful, patient and kind. Thank you Russ!
Second the above! We have known Russ since 1968, and he has been the model of the excellent pharmacist (and gentleman) all those years – knowledgeable, friendly, resourceful and always willing to investigate whatever the pharmaceutical question might be. In the era of CVS. Walgreens, etc., his kind of personal attention is a rare and sorely missed quality.
Who likes yet another trip to the pharmacy. I DO, and it’s all because of Russ and company. Knowledgeable, helpful, always good for a smile. That’s Russ. Thank you.
Twenty-four years ago, for a time, I was a high volume medication customer at Colonial Drugs. For each prescription, Russ would take all the time in the world, as if he had nothing else to do, to explain the purpose, warnings, interactions, possible side effects, and everything else under the sun. So to me, he’s not Unsung Hero #379. He’s Unsung Hero 2001-to-2025, and counting.
RussHired Cindy Gough and I after school and Saturdays. It was a great, fun job. He was so amazing with the customers!
Well deserved and one of the best reasons to live in Westport.
In 1965, used to walk across the street at my job at Ed Mitchell’s Clothing Store over to Russ and Colonial Green Drug Store to obtain my weekly supply of condoms. Used to have to ask the pharmacist back then. Russ looks exactly the same 60 years later. Nice man. http://www.carladdisonswanson.com
Well deserved. Such a wonderful man. I remember him at Dorains Drug Store on Main Street and was always treated so very well.