Michael Peter Russillo Jr., Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)
1934 - 2026
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Michael Peter Russillo Jr. on January 2, 2026, in Shoreline, Washington.
Born in Hawaii in 1934 to a naval family, Mike grew up exploring the world as the child of a military family—a journey that sparked his lifelong love of adventure.
After graduating Princeton University, Mike proudly served his country for two decades, retiring from the U.S. Army in 1977 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished military career included assignments across the globe, with notable service in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Italy, Panama and stateside, earning him the Bronze Star among other commendations.
After retiring from the Army, Mike embraced life with the same vigor and curiosity that defined his service. He embarked on several "second careers," including as a long-distance truck owner/operator, and later as the owner and innkeeper of the Kangaroo House bed and breakfast on Orcas Island, where he and his wife Jan welcomed guests from near and far.
Mike's passions were as boundless as his spirit. He was captivated by anything that moved—sports cars, motorcycles, RVs, airplanes, and sailboats. Among his proudest personal achievements later in life were earning his private pilot's license and joining a sailing crew, adventures that reflected his zest for life and love of challenge. He enjoyed years of traveling around the world and the United States with family and friends, often in an RV. He even spent a summer as a volunteer tour bus driver in Yellowstone National Park.
A gifted builder and craftsman, Mike constructed two homes with his own hands; rebuilt cars, boats, and airplanes; and created intricate model railroad houses, each a testament to his patience and creativity. He was a lifelong learner, and his last decade was spent reading and studying an array of fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
Above all, Mike lived a life rich in love, laughter, and purpose. His children remember him for his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Janice (Edwards), his eldest son, Michael Peter III, and his sister, Anne (Griffin). He is survived by his sister, Julie (Hathaway); his children Julie, David, Nancy, Aimee, Chrissy, and Maggie; and cherished grandchildren.
Mike's life was a journey of service, adventure, and love—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He requested no funeral service, humbly requesting to be remembered as a "nice person." In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local hospice in Mike's honor.
Born in Hawaii in 1934 to a naval family, Mike grew up exploring the world as the child of a military family—a journey that sparked his lifelong love of adventure.
After graduating Princeton University, Mike proudly served his country for two decades, retiring from the U.S. Army in 1977 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished military career included assignments across the globe, with notable service in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Italy, Panama and stateside, earning him the Bronze Star among other commendations.
After retiring from the Army, Mike embraced life with the same vigor and curiosity that defined his service. He embarked on several "second careers," including as a long-distance truck owner/operator, and later as the owner and innkeeper of the Kangaroo House bed and breakfast on Orcas Island, where he and his wife Jan welcomed guests from near and far.
Mike's passions were as boundless as his spirit. He was captivated by anything that moved—sports cars, motorcycles, RVs, airplanes, and sailboats. Among his proudest personal achievements later in life were earning his private pilot's license and joining a sailing crew, adventures that reflected his zest for life and love of challenge. He enjoyed years of traveling around the world and the United States with family and friends, often in an RV. He even spent a summer as a volunteer tour bus driver in Yellowstone National Park.
A gifted builder and craftsman, Mike constructed two homes with his own hands; rebuilt cars, boats, and airplanes; and created intricate model railroad houses, each a testament to his patience and creativity. He was a lifelong learner, and his last decade was spent reading and studying an array of fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
Above all, Mike lived a life rich in love, laughter, and purpose. His children remember him for his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Janice (Edwards), his eldest son, Michael Peter III, and his sister, Anne (Griffin). He is survived by his sister, Julie (Hathaway); his children Julie, David, Nancy, Aimee, Chrissy, and Maggie; and cherished grandchildren.
Mike's life was a journey of service, adventure, and love—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He requested no funeral service, humbly requesting to be remembered as a "nice person." In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local hospice in Mike's honor.
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