He was born April 15, 1946 in Braunsweig, Germany to Nick & Anna (Kurylo) Olijarczyk. The family relocated to Yonkers in 1951. A lifelong resident, he attended Yonkers High School. After High School he joined the Air Force and served in Vietnam. On August 4, 1973 he married his loving wife Maria ( Witiuk ). She survives him. He is also survived by his sister Maria ( Ray ) Wasiczko, Brothers Peter ( Janina ) and John. And many nieces, nephews, grand nieces & nephews. Active in his community, Russel volunteered at his church, local senior centers & as Treasurer of the Ukrainian America Veterans of Yonkers. Russel was also a Yonkers Auxillary Police Officer for several years. Visiting hours will be at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Monday 3-7pm. Panakhyda service Monday 6:30pm. Funeral service will be held in St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church on Tuesday February 23rd at 10am. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Michaels Church. Whalen & Ball Funeral Home 168 Park Ave. Yonkers, N.Y. 10703 (914)965-5488 www.whalenandballfh.com