John Burns Russell

John Burns “Jay” Russell, a retired Baltimore City Finance Department team member and life-long resident of Baltimore, Maryland, died from complications of an extended illness on Tuesday, September 6, 2023 at University of Maryland Saint Joseph Medical Center. He would have turned age 88 on September 18.

Jay was born on September 18, 1935 and raised in Baltimore, MD. He was the son of Dorothy Russell (Silcott) and John Burns Russell, Sr..

Jay attended Mount Saint Joseph High School where he was an accomplished Cross Country athlete. Jay earned his Business Degree attending night school while starting his family with Mary.

On October 3, 1959, he married Mary Catherine Hflaka, his high school sweetheart. They raised three children, Donna, Gregory, and Jeffrey and would have been married 64 years in October.

Jay was a member of the Air Force National Guard in the 50's, stationed at Air Force bases in the Continental U.S., including Cheyenne, WO.

Jay enjoyed history, especially American Civil War and World War II history. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for decades.

Jay is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine Russell (née Hlafka); his daughter Donna Jordan and his twin sons, Gregory Russell and Jeffrey Russell, his 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is predeceased by his sister, Katherine Russell.

He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him… including that twinkle in his eye when telling stories. His boundless enthusiasm when the Orioles and Ravens succeeded are legend. When that wasn't the case, not so much.

A visitation for Jay will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and also from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228. A funeral service mass will be offered on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 711 Maiden choice Ln., Catonsville, MD 21228. He will be interred at Lake View Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sterlingashtonschwabwitzke.com for the Russell family.