William J. Russell's Obituary
William J. Russell (Ruschak), age 77, beloved husband of Leslie J. Russell (nee Busher), devoted father of Corinne Ann, Nicole Elizabeth, William John Jr, (Rachel), Kristin Marie, loving grandfather of Joseph, William and Lucas.
He Served in the United States Marine Corp from 1968 to 1971. He was stationed at several Marine bases on the East Coast and West Coast. Mr. Russell was granted a secret clearance through National Agency Check March 14, 1968. Mr. Russell was awarded the Rifle Marksman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze campaign star, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded to the 3rd Marine Amphibious Brigade and the Navy Unit Commendation. He had a tour of duty in Southeast Asia. He had two (2) sayings that summed up his career as a Marine. “For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a taste that the protected will never know” and “VIET NAM hours of boredom punctuated by brief moments of sheer terror”. Mr. Russell was promoted to sergeant (E-5) in 1970 and honorable discharged in 1971.
Mr. Russell’s organizational activities included the American Legion Post 559, 738, 211 (Commander, 1st Vice Commander, Committeeman) (member since 1968). Marine Corps League, Detachment #650, 275 (Commandant, Adjutant, Sgt-At-Arms) (member since 2011), Military Order of Devil Dogs #164 (member since 2014), Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9693, 5563 (Adjutant) (member since 2014) and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #124, 15 (Trustee) (member since 2011). Mr. Russell was also a Notary for the State of Ohio since 1973.
William J. Russell was appointed in 1972 a Deputy Bailiff (Badge No. 115) with the Cleveland Municipal Court. He worked in the Bailiff’s Department, Central Scheduling Department, Court Administration, Probation Department, Warrant Unit, Levy Unit and Prisoner Transport Unit. Mr. Russell retired from the court in 1997.
Mr. Russell always had a passion for remodeling and repairing homes. After he retired from the court he went into the remodeling business full time. Mr. Russell enjoyed not only the challenge of the job but the personal satisfaction that the job was done right. He also enjoyed working with his family on numerous projects and remodeling jobs through the years. Mr. Russell was very proud of his hard working wife Leslie, son Bill, three daughters (Corinne, Nicole, Kristin), daughter in law Rachel and his grand son’s Joseph, William and Lucas.
VISITATION WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2025 FROM 3PM TO 7PM AT JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 PEARL ROAD STRONGSVILLE, OH 44136. THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10:30AM ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2025 ALSO AT THE FUNERAL HOME. Mr. Russell will be laid to rest with honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, where his life and service will be commemorated.
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