Feb 28, 2021

On Wednesday, February 17, 2021, Jesse Thomas Russell, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 30. Jesse was born April 28, 1990, in Pittsburgh, to Bernie Russell and Peg Cunningham Russell, who survive.

Jesse graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School, where he was an excellent student, musician, swimmer and friend. He also attended West Virginia University.

Jesse had an extraordinary heart, infectious smile, soulful eyes and compassionate spirit. As a musician, artist and writer, Jesse had a passion for learning and expressing himself through these mediums. He loved people and their stories and could make a total stranger feel his light and love. If you were blessed to cross paths with Jesse, you knew you had encountered a soul unlike any other and if you were ever the recipient of one of his huge hugs nothing else mattered in the whole world. He wanted those he loved to know they were loved.

To Jesse, his family was love. He wanted nothing more than to be with his family.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Tom and Helen Cunningham; his paternal grandparents, Bernard and Julia Russell; and aunt Patty Scatena.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Emma (Vladimir) Priftanj, whom he loved with all his heart; and nephews Ervin and Adrian. He is also survived by uncles Tom (Judy) Cunningham, Tim (Stephana) Cunningham and Jim Scatena; aunts Bernice Russell and Pat Wallace; and beloved cousins Andrew, Tommy, T Grant, Ali, Incala, Ella, Juli and Jimmy.

Due to Covid-19, services will be held at a later date. The family is requesting all those who were touched by this beautiful man to please share their stories with sister, mom or dad via Facebook or Messenger. In this manner we can continue the beautiful story of Jesse.

Arrangements by the Carl J. Spallino Funeral Home and Cremation, Charleroi, Joseph A. Lopez, funeral director. Condolences may be sent to www.spallinofuneralhome.com.