Born in Queens, New York, Russell was a graduate of Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey. He attended the University of South Carolina and enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. A member of the 7th Air Force and the Strategic Air Command, Russell was a medic and stationed in England. Upon his discharge, Russell used the GI bill to go to school, served an apprenticeship, and in 1959 became a licensed funeral director. He met his wife, Anne Marie, and they married in 1960. They purchased a home in Piscataway, then moved to Franklin in 1968. He worked for F.J. Ramsey Funeral Home in Franklin for a year and a half, then worked for Smith-McCracken Funeral Home in Newton for 42 years before his retirement.
A member of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Newton since 1970, Russell was a Eucharistic Minister from the church serving Newton Medical Center. He was also a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years, where he holds a life membership. He was also a member of the Cancer Society, when it was active in Sussex County, a member of the Kiwanis Club in Franklin and a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club in Newton. Russell’s professional memberships include the National Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, and the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association.
The son of the late Joseph M. and Jewel (nee Beasley) English, Russell is predeceased by his wife, Anne Marie (Ulivitch); and by his son, Kenneth English. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Gina English, of Frankford Township, as well as his four granddaughters, Brittany, Kristen, Lauren, and Leah English.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph R.C. Church in Newton. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16 from 2 to 5 at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to: St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, 24 Halsted St, Newton, NJ 07860 or Sacred Heart Center, 20 Old Swartswood Rd, Newton, NJ 07860.
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