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BARBARA M. RUSSELL
BARBARA M. RUSSELL
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BARBARA RUSSELL Obituary
On Saturday, August 25, 2018, age 85 of Pittsburgh's Northside, died unexpectedly from a brief illness. Beloved partner of Edwin M. Grentz; mother of Aaron Russell and partner Pam Bradley, Joanna (Albert) Caruso; also survived by her loving grandchildren, Caroline and Michael; sister of Joseph (Jean Herrity) Mazziotti, Richard (Laurie) Mazziotti, Robert Mazziotti, Joan Kimmel and Mary (Keith Cochran) Mazziotti; many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Born in Blacklick, PA, graduated from Wilkinsburg Highschool, then Indian University of Pennsylvania with a degree in teaching becoming one of their Distinguised Alumni. Barbara started her teaching career with the Penn Hills School District teaching 4th and 6th grades then moved onto being the nation's first reading teacher on television. Television led her to work with Pittsburgh legend the late Fred Roger's of Mister Roger's Neighborhood. She also had a long career with another famous Pittsburgher, Don Brockett working together with him for over 30 years in the comedy duo, Brockett and Barbara. Barbara had roles in many commercials, movies, TV appearences, and plays, but her favorite was that of being a grandmother. Most recently she combines her teaching and acting abilities to the organization Gateway to the Arts helping teachers teach children how to express themselves through drama. Her lifelong passions were teaching, traveling, activism, and acting as well as spending time on her back garden with a scotch in one hand and a good mystery in the other. The gathering of friends and family will be on Thursday, August 30th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2025 Perrysville Avenue, Perry Hilltop, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the following organizations: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 803 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 and Persad Center, Inc., 5301 Butler St., Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Chris Gerding
November 17, 2024
Like several here, I was a 6th grade student of Miss Mazziotti in the mid 1960s. Barbara had a far more significant impact on my life than I realized at the time. She broke the news of JFK's assassination to us, she taught us very effectively, and most of all, she used her comedic skill to check the inevitable, wayward influence of approaching adolescence on us 6th grade boys. I will always remember her as a terrific teacher and a steward as we approached maturity--my greatest teacher ever!
Robert McCune
November 5, 2021
These comments are way after the fact of her passing. I am not sure what made me think of her but I did. Upon completion of a quick Google search I found myself on this site. Very sad to hear she is no longer with us but many, many years have passed since I last saw her. I was one of her students in a 6th grade class at Hebron Elementary School in Penn Hills, PA. She was an outstanding teacher and educator. She always had the focus and attention of her students through her awesome presence in the front of the classroom. Always performing, even when teaching, whether playing guitar, piano, singing along to her musical accompaniment or gripping, spellbinding reading aloud stories to the class. With all that said I must admit I was afraid, maybe more respectful, of the teaching personality she exuded when teaching. You learned from her, loved her teaching style, riveted to every comment. I am 70 years old now, also taught school in Penn Hills. I only remember a handful of brilliant teachers I had throughout my Penn Hills education and Ms. Mazziotti is at the top!
Rick Williams
October 18, 2021
Reading and writing have been integral to my becoming a successful biotech executive. Along the way, I've been drawn to write books, including two published American history books (second book featured great-grandfather of Jim Henson of The Muppets). I'm now writing fiction books with two of my seven grandkids and creating a website and companion nonfiction book to encourage other adults to become "literacy companions" and come alongside kids in need. I finally made the connection that my sixth grade teacher, Barbara Mazziotti, played a major role in my own literacy development as she steered me to routinely check out books from a nearby bookmobile...and inspired me on the path to creativity.
Tina Rawson
September 5, 2018
Dear Ed, Aaron, Johanna and family members, I was so very sorry to hear this news. Barbara was a wonderful woman with a magnetic personality. I am so glad to have known her. My deepest condolences to you and yours. Love, Tina Rawson
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Beth Michael
September 1, 2018
Saw her with the Brockett and Barbara revues in the tnt n the old Greentree Marriot, along with On the Town which she co -directed at Comtra Theater. May she rest in peace.
Pat (Young) Walsh
August 30, 2018
Miss Mazziotti was my 6th grade teacher at Hebron School in Penn Hills. I remember her well, and am glad to have been in her classroom. Condolences to her whole family, and bless her soul.
Laura Yoerg
August 30, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Barbara's family, friends, and to all whose lives were touched by this truly gifted lady.
May God comfort you during this time of mourning.
Bob Nagel
August 30, 2018
Rest in peace, Barbara. You and Don Brockett gave Pittsburghers many laughs over the years.
Lee Karr
August 29, 2018
Barbara was such a wonderful and talented lady. She was very supportive of a book I penned about the making of one of George Romero's films, which she appeared in, and even participated in a book signing for it when it was published in 2014. A total class act and as everyone knows very funny. Thank you for your kindness, Barbara. May you rest in peace.
Nina Burdell Vecchio
August 29, 2018
Dearest Joanna , Aaron and Nana's loves Caroline and Michael
my heart is heavy with the passing of my Star .....Barbara
She was a entertainer that never turned her switch off ...Her years at my salon were some of the best times in my business .. our talks ,phone calls and appointments and politics always had clients cracking up at our conversations . I loved her so ....she was not just a client but she was my family.... Sending condolences and love,
Nina & Carmen Vecchio
Nina's Place Hair Salon #15104
Michael Buzzelli
August 29, 2018
Barbara Russell was an inspiration to me. I remember seeing her and Don Brockett in their revue when I was 13 years old. It was the first live performance I attended. Not long ago, we became friends through the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. I was awestruck when I met her and I was awestruck every time after that. We reached out to Barbara to do a Staged Reading not too long ago, and she killed it! She played an acerbic nun. Her last words to me were, "If you ever need an old broad, just call me." I wish I could call her right now. Cause I needed more of this 'old broad' in my life. My condolences to the family. I will miss her very much.
August 29, 2018
Along with so many others, I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Barbara's untimely death. My sincerest sympathy and my prayers go out to both Joanna and Aaron, as well as to their families.
Barbara's presence among all of us who knew and loved her will remain; she was one of those "larger-than-life" people! Her joy and her zest for life and all that it holds was infectious.
I will cherish our many telephone calls, visits, and lunches with Leslie Brockett. She was able to engage those around her with her intelligence, her insight, and, of course, her keen talent and her sense of humor. All of these she shared generously. I am so grateful to have been one of the recipients of her many gifts.
"Barbara stories" are many, but the time and the space recount them is limited. Suffice to say that we will remember these stories in our own way and tell them with the love needed to make them come alive.
Rest in peace, dear friend, and may the angels greet you and lead you into Paradise where we will all meet again one day.
Ken Curley
Stacey
August 29, 2018
Dear Family of Barbara,
I was saddened beyond believe when I was notified of the passing of Barbara, I am truly sorry for your loss as I know the rest of Pittsburgh is. We here at the office will truly miss her visits and witty self, not to mention all the great stories she told us about her grandchildren. I personally will miss our time we spent together and she'd just make me laugh. But I will remind myself that when I look up and see a bright STAR that's your Beloved Barbara because she was truly a shining star. May you find comfort in the arm of our Lord and always knowing she touched lives everywhere she went.
Love Stacey (Dr Offerman's office)
BRIAN E KAMINSKI
August 29, 2018
Barbara always brought joy, happiness and a wonderful smile to all. She will be sadly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones.
August 29, 2018
I was saddened to read about your recent loss of an OTR friend and unique talent. Please accept my sincere sympathies. - Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock, Esq. (Sq. Hill)
August 29, 2018
Barbara's family,
Your "Dear Mother" brought such joy to the beginning of my new life in Pittsburgh......in the 1060's. She and "Don Brockett at Becks Charter oaks" was the best!!
She was so very talented and nice to talk with after the shows.
Blessing to you Barbara and your family.
Doris Bird
Skippack, Pa.
Bobby Boscia
August 29, 2018
I will always remember how she used to make my Mom and Aunt Caroline laugh.Bobby Joe
Ron Wisniski
August 29, 2018
Dear Aaron, My deepest sympathy on the passing of your remarkable mother. She gave us all the greatest gift both on and off stage. Laughter. She was truly one of a kind.
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2025 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214
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