Born in The Bronx, New York, Russell lived in Parsippany Troy Hills and Bloomfield before moving to Blairstown. He was a graduate of the Howe Military Academy and proudly served in the United States Navy. Russell was a salesman for Moore Business Forms in Roseland before his retirement. After his retirement in 1995, Russell enjoyed attending classic car shows where he entered his prized 1957 Ford Thunderbird winning many awards. He also enjoyed working around his yard, taking pride in his work and enjoying the beauty of his home and surroundings. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his beloved family, especially his three grandchildren.
The son of the late Charles Franklin and Edna Florence (Beavers) Van Sweringen, Russell is survived by his wife of 62+ years, Mary Theresa (Yeasky) Van Sweringen; his daughters, Lenore (Craig) Callanan of Stillwater and Lisa Van Sweringen and her companion, Oliver, of Blairstown; his son, Alan (Tina) Van Sweringen of Hope; and his grandchildren, Rhiannon Eppinger of Blairstown, Jacob Eppinger of Wanaque and Lula Van Sweringen of Hope.
Services and interment are private and are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to OSCAR, 155 Stanhope Road, Byram Township, NJ 07821.
