Russell was born in Nanticoke Township, Pennsylvania to his late parents John Englot and Mary Yatsela.
He grew up in Lower Askam, part of a large and loving family. His family today would say that the growing family at that time didn’t have much in material things, but family always came first and love was plentiful.
At the age of 17, Russ joined the Civilian Conservation Corp., and took his very first train ride to Idaho, where he helped to plant trees. He later joined the U.S. Army, serving under General Patton. Russell participated in five major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he attended schools for various trades, notably Barbering and Refrigeration Engineering. He and other family members headed to New York where work was available, and he got a job at Kennedy Airport with Pan American Airlines in air conditioning maintenance. He retired after 30 years. He and his future bride, the former Dorothy Fromel, married in 1949 and had two children, Russell and Diane.
Russell enjoyed fishing, just for the pure joy of being on the water. He owned a few boats and he spent much time fishing, clamming and crabbing with friends and family. Off the water, he enjoyed getting together with family at many backyard parties; in which he reveled in the family being together enjoying each other’s company. Russell loved to woodwork, creating toys and benches for family and friends. He was a devout baseball fan – equally an avid Yankee and Met fan. Everyone would say he was a definite ‘people person’, as they all would lovingly call him “Uncle Russ”.
Russell is predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy; and his eight siblings – Julia, Pauline, Sue, Helen, Maggie, Betty, Andrew and Joseph. Surviving are his children – his son, Russell and daughter-in-law, Diane; and his daughter, Diane.
Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Thursday, October 15th from 2:00 – 4:30 and 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. At 8:00 pm, the Wake Service will be offered by Father Rev. Olvian N. Popovici. On Friday, the Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 225 North 4th Street in Lindenhurst. (Please note: the Church enforces strict adherence to the wearing of masks by all visitors). Interment with Military Honors will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.
PANDEMIC NOTES: Please note that the funeral home is under, and follows the strict guidelines set by the office of Governor Mario Cuomo. MASKS are required for all visitors at all times in the building; and SOCIAL DISTANCING is enforced. We are limited to 35 guests. Entry to the funeral home will be by ticket, which each guest will receive when they enter the building. Once capacity is reached, no one else will be permitted to enter until others have left. Each visitor will surrender their ticket upon exit. The funeral home is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
BUILDING ENTRY: The Main/front entrance is closed for this period. Please enter through the REAR entrance.
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