George G. Russell Sr., 90, of New Galilee, passed on Tuesday January 12, 2021 under the gentle care of the Heritage Valley Beaver Medical Center. George was the patriarch of a large family, a pillar in the church and community, and well loved and respected by many. He was born on March 11, 1930 in Beaver Falls to the late Nathaniel and Viola Russell.
George was a member of the Beaver Falls High School Class of 1948. After graduation, George enlisted in the Army and served for our country in the Korean War. Upon returning home, George met his beloved wife at a local dance hall, where he attracted her attention because he was a “nice and tall man.” The two went on their first date in December of 1954. The two moved to New Galilee and there, have attended the New Galilee Church of the Nazarene and worked to establish a long life together.
George worked his early married years on the railroad before becoming employed with Babcock & Wilcox East Works Company in Beaver Falls. His leadership and management skills landed him a position as Turn Foreman in the 7th bay. After the collapse of the steel industry in the area, George started his own business, Russell Excavating, where his sons, and eventually several grandchildren, worked alongside him on a backhoe, dump truck, or on other various heavy machinery. Here he instilled the value of hard work, the importance of knowing how to work with your hands, and love of neighbors to those who worked with, watched, or hired him.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonnie Russell; 7 Children; George Jr. and Joy Russell, Doug and Karen Russell, Bern and Kim Russell, Todd and Cheryl Russell, Kurt and Tami Russell, Tammy and Ron Boxen, and Randy Russell; 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; 2 brothers; John and William, and 2 sisters Helen and Sylvia.
George established a great legacy in his family and will be forever remembered for his love of family, love of Lionel trains, and his love for any goodies he could get his hands on from the bakery.
Visitation will be held on Friday January 15, 2021 from 3:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 pm with his grandson Rev. Andy Russell officiating at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum. Interment will be held in Grandview Cemetery.
Please join the family in a celebration of George’s life at the New Galilee Event Center on Saturday January 16, 2021 at 12:00 pm.
Visitors are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
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