Randy Fred Russell
Randy Fred Russell, 59, of Avella, was called home by the Lord on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Squirrel Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, after an extended stay at UPMC Hospital.
He was born March 29, 1962, in Washington, the son of Fred and Linda Brewer Russell.
A graduate of McGuffey High School, he worked for Apria Healthcare, formerly Homedco, as a respiratory technician his entire working career, until becoming disabled in 2012, as well as being a professional driver for GG&C Bus Company.
Randy was married to Carole Elias Russell for 28 years, until they divorced in 2019, but remained good friends.
Also surviving is his mother, Linda Russell, of Washington; sons, Boriss Sklarovs (also known by Samuel Russell) of Vestaburg, and James (Lillian) Russell, of Washington; granddaughter, Avery Russell; brother, Ronald (Donna) Russell, of Prosperity; sister, Rebecca (James) Cox, of Waynesburg; beloved nieces, Michelle Markley, of Claysville, and Danielle Russell, of Richmond, Tex., Melissa Cox, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Melody Cox, of Waynesburg, Hannah (Jacob) Puskarich, of Prosperity, Amy (Matt) Kelley, of Portland Ore.; great-nephew, Mason Markley; great-nieces, Paige Markley, and Sutton Puskarich; and many cousins. He absolutely loved his three Pomeranians, Mocha, Carmel, and Cappuccino.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Russell; baby brother, Rex Russell; nephew, Jonathan (Michelle) Markley, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
Randy recently began attending Grove United Presbyterian Church at the invitation of neighbors and friends and rededicated himself to the Lord.
Even with his health issues, he strived to remain active. He was in a Dartball league, enjoyed golfing, umpired softball, and took pride in planting his garden and tending to his flowers and landscaping.
He enjoyed farming – selling his farm fresh eggs and raising cows and pigs. He was known for going around and picking up and recycling tons of cans. He enjoyed going out to eat and was an avid sports fans, his favorite team being the Pittsburgh Steelers. He collected sports memorabilia, elephants, and was a lifelong fan of Madonna.
He was loved by so many, a good friend, neighbor, and devoted to his family. He never missed a birthday party, soccer game, basketball game, dance recital, or pageant. His kind heart, giving nature, and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where a service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 14, with Rev. Dr. Michael Roach officiating.
Interment will be private in Prosperity Cemetery.
A guest book is available at NealFuneralHome.com.