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
My condolences to Bonnie and all the family of George. George was a much older cousin and closer to my older sisters and brothers who always spoke well of George. My mother is his Dad’s sister, Maggie. He certainly has left quite a legacy
To the Russell Family,
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers in your time of sorrow.
My Dad, Carl Stanton, always said,” George was the best boss, a person could ever ask for!”
All the ones who have gone before, my Dad, Ucle Butch,etc. are in heaven talking about the B&W, with their boss!
God Bless and keep you all!
May God Put His Loving Arms Around You And Give You Comfort During Your Lost.
Russell Family : Sorry to hear of the loss of ur dad .I can remember him when I ust to be out at my aunt Anna Coleman. I know u will miss him but he is with god now n has no worries or pain. Debbie (Girting) Bailey
My heart is saddened by your great loss. Your family was a model of a Christian family to me growing up, which was something I didn’t have. I’m so sorry I cannot be there to support you as you let your father to rest. I will be thinking of you all and lifting you all up in prayer.
So sorry Todd and your family for the loss of your father never met your father but I’m sure he was as hard working and as kind as you.
Very sorry for your families loss, my you know your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We never met Mr. Russell but heard many great stories of the kind hearted man he was.
So sorry for your loss. I was a teenager when I had my car break down and George and a son came to Youngstown Ohio to fix it! Quite a long time ago!
What a great man and a great legacy. Amy VanKirk Gregory
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of “Big George” as I knew him when I was a child. My mom was Elma (Russell) Van Kirk, a cousin of George’s. It was always great fun to visit their home in New Galilee, full of all those kids and fun toys. I remember George coming in with a big smile to greet my mother and tease us children. Bonnie was always so kind as well. He was a good man, and I wish all of his family peace and comfort. God bless, Robin Van Kirk