Obituary of Donald James Russell
Smethport--Donald J. Russell, 89, of Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 surrounded by his family.
He was born May 10, 1935, in Turtlepoint, PA. He was the son of Frank and Martha Gross Russell. On June 11, 1955, in Coryville he married the former Carolyn Milliron, who survives.
Don was a long-time employee of Ball-Foster located in Port Allegany, PA. He loved people and had a passion for keeping people connected. As a retiree, he organized the Ball-Foster Retiree Breakfast, a Biennial event that past employees looked forward to year after year.
He was a member of the Coryville Church of Faith where he served for many years in officer positions including Elder and Deacon. He enjoyed visiting shut-ins and never hesitated to invite someone to church.
An avid hunter, Don was passionate about his hobby. He ventured to many states including Florida, South Dakota and Texas to hunt. From his deer stand, he harvested many deer, but his passion was hunting turkeys. He achieved Single Season Grand Slam Certification from the National Federal Turkey Association by harvesting and registering the four most common subspecies of wild turkey: the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam's and the Osceola turkey in one year.
In addition to his beloved wife of 69 years, he is survived by two sons, James (Jan) Russell of Bradford, PA and Jerry (Janet) Russell of Smethport, PA; one daughter, Julie (Ted) Weimer of Elizabethtown, PA; seven grandchildren, Matthew Russell, Bethany Russell, and Kaitlyn Peterson, Brock and Brett Russell, and Jared and Jordan Wolf; one great-granddaughter, Malin Margaret Peterson, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by three brothers, Frederick, Merle and Paul Russell; and six sisters, Alice Russell Wilson, Aschia Russell Hall, Edna Russell, Josephine Russell Conklin, Ruby Peggy Russell Griffith, and Wilma Russell Tarbox.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Coryville Church of Faith, 1913 Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA 16731, with a memorial service immediately following visitation at 1pm in the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Coryville Church of Faith or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport