Russ was born on January 24, 1945 in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Leslie G. and Marilyn B. Bush.
He graduated in 1963 from McDowell High School in Erie. He was a Vietnam veteran, and proudly served in the US Navy from 1963 to 1969. From 1958 to 1966, Russ worked alongside his father, mother and grandfather at the Bush Totem Pole Service Station at 8th and Marshall Drive in Erie.
He spent many years in the trucking industry as a driver, mechanic, foreman, maintenance supervisor, operations supervisor, and personnel supervisor. He was well-liked and admired throughout his career for his strong work ethic and personable manner. He retired in December 2006. As part of his retirement, he took on an unpaid position as driver of the garbage truck in his small retirement community. He was an enthusiastic racing fan and volunteered on a pit crew for many years as well.
Diagnosed with COPD in 2000, Russ struggled with lung issues in his later years. In 2007, Russ survived a collapsed lung as well as a brain hemorrhage and subsequent brain surgery for an aneurysm. His historic goal of 2007 was to quit smoking after 50+ years, which he accomplished, never touching another cigarette for the rest of his life.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, his son Todd A. Bush, and his son Russell A. Bush Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Sherry, of Sacramento, CA; four children: Gregory Bush, Tammy Martin, Geoffrey Bush, all from Indiana, and Jamie Kain (Zachary) of Sacramento, CA; and ten grandchildren: Steven and Brooklyn Bruner, Kayla, Jackson, Madison, Carter and Kailey Bush, all from Indiana, Alexander and Annabella Sobrato of Sacramento, CA; and Aurelia Kain of Sacramento, CA. A beloved husband, father and friend, he will be dearly missed and live in our hearts and minds forever.
Russ chose cremation, and no visitation or viewing will be held. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in memory of Russ to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled Veterans of America.
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