Richard John Russell

On May 22, 2023, the wonderful, astonishing, kind and loving Richard John Russell passed away. Rich left this life with his typical dignity, calm conviction, and self-possession. The week before, he told his family that he had lived a charmed life and was totally at peace with the knowledge that time was running out. He said he hadn't planned to leave quite so soon, but his life had been good and he had been very fortunate.

He shared a thoughtful analysis of his life, consistent with the way he approached everything - he talked lovingly talking about his family (his siblings, parents, children, and grandchildren), his career, his travel adventures, his exceptional 75 years of health, and then he said, "There was all that and a 55-year love affair with you, Ellen. Who could ask for anything more?" Pure Rich.

Rich was born in New York City and grew up in a wonderful family with his loving parents Ann and Joe; brother Andy; sister Annemarie. After graduating with degrees from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now part of NYU) and Northeastern University, he had a successful and fulfilling career as an engineer.

He married his sweetheart Ellen Maginnis in 1969. Rich and Ellen had many adventures over the years, which brought relocation from New York to Massachusetts, and then to North Carolina for 31 years. In his retirement, life brought him to Illinois, where he could be close to his beloved grandchildren. In all those locations, Rich found lifelong friends, and he also was able to wow friends and family with his love of planning trips to many stunning destinations.

Rich delighted in raising his two daughters, Amy and Emily, and he welcomed Amy's husband Dan lovingly to the family. He absolutely blossomed in an incredible new life as a grandparent to Natalie and Ryan. Rich and Ellen as grandparents were transformed into the wild and crazy Rocco & Mimi-treasuring their time with their family. Rich shared his love of everything with his children and grandchildren - running, gardening, travel, science, food, and adventure.

His legacy of enthusiasm, lifelong learning, positivity, and love remain. His goodness surrounds us. He instilled so much love that surely it will last beyond his lifetime. Please keep Rich's family in your thoughts and prayers: his wife, Ellen; daughter Amy (Dan) Halm; daughter Emily Bryan, grandchildren Natalie and Ryan; brother Andy; sister Annemarie (Joe Sclafani); and nephew Chris Sclafani; step brother-in-law Bill Phillips (Gail.)

A memorial service for Rich Russell will be held on Sunday, June 4, at 3pm CT at First Congregational Church of Western Springs, at 1106 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL 60558, with a reception to follow in the church parlor. The service will be live-streamed at https://shorturl.at/eCJQ5. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Congregational Church of Western Springs https://shorturl.at/atuLM, or The Greater Chicago Food Depository https://shorturl.at/euAJL