He was born in Groveport Ohio on June 14, 1949. Russell graduated from Groveport Madison High School in 1967 and then attended Ohio State University before joining the Army in March of 1969. Russell was awarded the bronze star medal for heroism during his service in Vietnam. After his time in the service, Russ road his motorcycle across the country to California, where he lived for several years before settling in the Portland area. He had a career in banking technology and enjoyed traveling and contra dancing. He was also an avid reader and loved his pet cats.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Patricia (Zwayer) Fridley. He was survived by his brothers Guy Fridley of Lancaster Ohio and Roger (Deanne) Fridley of South Haven Michigan, nieces and nephews Cindy (Jay) Beyer, Charles (Joyce) Craycraft, Patrick Fridley and Kendra Fridley, 6 great nieces and nephews and a special neighbor McKenna, who had recently adopted him as her grandpa and filled his last year with play and happiness.
