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Russell Till Obituary



Russell R. Till, 71, of Arnold, Maryland, died suddenly on February 11, 2015, while vacationing in Puerto Rico. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Russ graduated from Cambria Central High School in Pennsylvania in 1961. He earned his B.S. in Animal Husbandry from Penn State University. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. After graduation, he completed the U.S. Navy Officers' Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. As a Lieutenant Junior Grade, he was station aboard the USS Rushmore in Virginia Beach where he met his future wife. After his time in the Navy, Russ became a banker, a career he continued for over 40 years until his retirement in 2009. He then pierced his ear, bought a boat, and began his retirement life. He is remembered as a kind, patient, funny, and adventurous man with a zest for life, palpable for all who met him. His was quite the outdoorsman who loved hiking and to be on the water, especially the Severn River, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. He also, along with his wife and friends Molly, Jerry, and Sharon, loved to travel, racking up more than 100 days together exploring (almost 200 with Sharon). He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen "Nell" Till, his daughter Jennifer Ellen Wallace, son-in-law Brendan McDevitt Wallace, granddaughter Martha Catherine Wallace (named for Russ and Nell's mothers), grandson Eamon McDevitt Wallace, brother Daniel Anthony Till, many other loving family members and many, many friends. The family is holding a private ceremony but will have celebration and remembrance of his life on March 28 from 1pm - 5pm at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Anyone interested in making a donation in Russ's name should do so through the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Published by The Capital Gazette on Feb. 21, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Nell & family,

My sincere condolences to all, and saddened to hear the news from Mary Jo.
Those that have passed are never entirely gone, when they live in ones heart! My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Kyle Clark

February 28, 2015

He always had a smile on his face. He was a lovely person. And will be missed.

Tracy Wallace

February 24, 2015

Dear Nell, Jen and family,
Today, on what would have been Russ's birthday, we are remembering our beloved gentle giant of a friend. He adored his family and was a loyal friend who taught us all how to love every minute of life. We will miss his warm bear hug, to his infectious laugh and smile, his zest for life. He reminded us to live in the moment, because for every moment "it doesn't get any better than this". Happy Birthday, dear friend, you will always be with us in spirit.

Francie and Rob Hunt

February 24, 2015

I am so, so sorry. My thoughts are with all of you right now. - Melisa Trayer

Melisa Trayer

February 23, 2015

February 23, 2015

February 23, 2015

February 23, 2015

February 23, 2015

We are so saddened to hear of Russ's passing- We will always think of him for his wonderful humor and generous spirit! He will be well remembered and missed. Our hearts go out to your family.

Barbara & Bob Brogan

February 23, 2015

Deeply saddened hearing of Russ' death. He'll be missed by many, many friends. He was one of a kind.

Joe Brown

February 23, 2015

Dear Nell and family

Carroll and I send our sincere condolences.

Carroll and Jennifer Hughes

Jennifer Hughes

February 22, 2015

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