Resident of San Jose, California
Entered into rest on July 12, 2018 after a full life of 88 years !
Born June 4, 1930 in Alexandria and grew up in Saint Cloud Minnesota of parents Mary Margaret and John Russell. Dad was one 6 children, he moved to Oakland California in 1945 with his parents and sisters Francis and Mildred. Served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. Married 63 years to Arden Joan (Neary) of San Francisco in 1955. Proud Father of 4 children: Ann Arden Good (Husband, Christian Good) , Jeffrey John Russell (wife Linda Lewis ), Paul Stanley Russell (wife Haikyong Kim ), and Marie Catherine Russell ( passed in 1967) Also a proud grandfather of two, Taylor George Good and Carmela Kim Russell.
He is survived by Arden, his wife of 63 years. Often telling his perspective on marriage, Dad would say “Marriage is like a 3 Ring Circus, The Engagement Ring, The Wedding Ring, and the Suffering”, He loved to tell jokes……….and quite surprisingly, not too many repeats over the years !
Dad lived the Christianity he so deeply believed in.
His honesty, sincerity, and dedication earned him the trust of many during his 41 year career in the Banking Business. Starting with Crocker Bank in San Francisco, California (1952) , and ending with the Santa Clara County Credit Union here in San Jose, California (1993).
Over his career in banking, Stan assisted many small businesses to grow. In the 1970’s one particular group of Italian brothers, the DiAmbrosios, started four restaurants here in the Bay Area: “Frankie, Johnny and Luigi’s,” “Nicolino’s”, “New York Sausage”, and” Giorgio’s”. Several years ago John DiAmbrosio, of Giorgio’s invited Dad and I to a lunch at his restaurant in Willow Glen. The lunch started at 1PM and ended at 6:30PM. John spoke of how Dad was sincerely interested in their success, helped them in ways that was obvious he was totally there for the customer, not what the Brothers had always experienced in the banking business….. We ate, we drank, we told stories, we ate and drank again, and told more stories……Mom called twice to make sure all was OK ! Thank you John for that wonderful experience for Dad , and to see a part of our Father’s goodness thru your eyes ! He really enjoyed that afternoon at Giorgio’s with you !!
Stan’s care for you as an individual was also very clear …..
If you were a guest at our home for one of many parties over the years, and drove your Car or Motorcycle to the gathering, Dad would sneak out from the party, “Windex clean” both your front and back windows, headlights and taillights …….you couldn’t leave until his personal service was completed !
When hosting a gathering, he would always insure your cup was full, whether you were drinking Soda, Beer, Whiskey, or Wine he would always ask you if you wanted more to drink, and would proceed to serve you all night long ( and Dad loved Red Wine !!…especially with a cube or two of ice in his glass ! )
His love and care for his family was always present.
When we became aware of Dad going into the office for work, it was apparent he put in long hours to provide for his family… We would see him leave at 8am and return most times at 8 in the evening…
Unless there was some event to participate with his children, Saturday mornings were a sacred time for Dad to sleep in…… like until noon ! On Sundays, after church, we recall many family rides in the car winding through the hills of Guadalupe Dam area, Morgan Hill, Santa Cruz mountains, and exploring roads in Hollister, Pinnacles…. etc,
Whether it was the largest Birthday, Anniversary, or Valentines day card he could find for his wife, Arden, or taking his children to Football, Basketball , or Track events over the years, Dad was always thinking of us and participating actively in our lives! He loved his family and would expend any amount of energy needed to assist and care for us.
Dad was not able to do all the things he wanted to do these last 10 months.
Thanks to several Caregivers who with Mom, compassionately took care of him 24 hours a day…….. his daily needs were taken care of and his dignity maintained.
The Russell Family expresses their sincere gratitude for the loving care by many given to Dad along the way. Particularly the “Angels” that came in the form of Caregivers over the last 10 months. Dad truly appreciated your humble & kind assistance and tender care around the clock…..We deeply thank you Angelah, Liya, Nery, Martha, and Vikki …… you have been the essential ingredient to keep Dad at home, as he wished. Especially our Angel from Fiji, Martha, your voice and Ukulele brought heavenly music that touched “all of our souls”. Dad truly appreciated all your care, love and compassion.
Dad will be missed by many, many Family and Friends around the world.
Services for Stan will be as follows:
Friday July 27th 7:00 PM Rosary at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 15333 Woodard Road, San Jose California
Saturday July 28th 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St Frances Cabrini Church 15333 Woodard Road, San Jose California, followed by Burial at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, California
If your wish is to make donation, please do so to your favorite charity in Stan’s name…
God Bless each and every one of us !
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