I met Stan in 1973.  I was a young prosecutor.  We had an office softball team and one of the guys knew Stan and recruited him.
     Best athlete I ever saw close up.  Simply amazing.  He played center field and the other outfielders joked that their job was just to point at flyballs and yell, "Stan!  Yours, Stan!"  Just about anything between the foul lines was Stan's.  He made us a contender.
     But as amazing as Stan's arms and legs were, it was always his heart that got your attention. I don't know how his body had room for any other organs with that huge heart in there pumping away.
     Stan cared about us.  We knew that. 
 We all became clients because even though our jobs as prosecutors made us suspicious of everyone, we all knew we could trust Stan.  We all did, and he lived up to that trust.
     There wasn't an ounce of malice in the man.  He loved people and he loved life.  He was simply a gift to humanity, and the world's a poorer place without him.

Russell Family, I was stunned to be recently informed of Stan's passing. My name is Kris Moraga and attended Washington Elementary with Stan thru JH and HS until they moved to Villa Park. Remembering Stan and Rod Warren always together, playing ball and any/all competitive sports at school and Memorial Park. Stan was a good kid and kind to classmates. Lost touch with him over the years, however, once while shopping at JC Penneys at The City in Orange, he called out to me. So surprised to see him. He filled me in on his stint with Dodgers, injury and insurance career. We had a wonderful conversation. Sounds as if his illness might have been slow and lengthy. Very sad to know this.  Sort of a sting to the heart. I'm sure he and his buddies are reunited and now busy setting up some games. Hoping and praying your family finds joy and comfort in the memories.

Mr. Russell was a loving, caring, and respectful man. He always had that magical smile when he came in contact with anyone. There is no words to express how you will be missed dearly.

SIP

The passing of Stan has left a profound mark on my heart. Stan was not just a family friend; he was part of our lives since high school. I vividly remember those Saturday mornings when his dad, Ed, would visit my dad. The sound of their infectious laughter filling our living room is a cherished memory from my teenage years.

Stan was a powerhouse in his own right. His presence could light up any room. His drive, focus, and unwavering positivity, even in the face of hardships and setbacks, were truly inspiring. Despite everything, his spirit remained unbroken. Stan was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. His memory will forever be a beacon of resilience and joy in our hearts.

Lost touch after Villa Park, but Stan was so warm, engaging, personable and present in his interactions.  He was the G.O.A.T.  In our class of ‘69.  Vaya con Dios!

Our hearts to the family… Have so many memories of your dad. He always cared and was a great man with a kind heart. Our prayers and  sympathies to the family during this difficult time as you morn.  Rick and Becky Reeves.

Sincere condolences on the loss of Stan to his family and friends. I was a classmate of his at Santa Ana Valley High School. He was a great athlete in basketball and baseball, I remember him well. 

Sharon Howell Pierce

OBITUARY

Stanley Ray Russell

December 29, 1950 – May 9, 2024

Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary

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