Daniel J. "Danny" Russell

Daniel "Danny" Russell Obituary
Son, husband, father, grandfather ("Pap Pap"), great grandfather, and long-term partner, Daniel "Danny" J. Russell, age 83, of Panama City, Florida, passed away on July 30, 2024. He was born to Robert F. and Dorothy E. (Arnold) Russell on November 7, 1940 in Pittsburgh (Millvale), Pennsylvania. Danny loved his church, his family, and his friends. He was a caregiver who reveled in having fun and putting a smile on your face.
Danny grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and attended North Catholic High School, graduating in 1958, explaining his thick "Pittsburgh-ease" accent, which of course remained with him throughout his life. He continued his education at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, and earned a BS in Economics in 1963. While in the military, he earned his MBA from Inter American University in Puerto Rico in 1971. Dan married the former Carole A. Smith in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1964, and they traveled the world together for over two decades, immersing their four children in rich and storied cultures across the globe in Puerto Rico, Japan, Germany, and the United States.
Dan served his country honorably with a career in the United States Air Force from 1963-1985. He attended Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar, Texas, and retired in 1985 with the rank of Major from Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. Notably, in 1971, while serving as the navigator (known as a "back-seater") in the F4 Phantom, Dan's jet crashed in the Straits of Taiwan and he was later rescued by the Chinese Air Force.
Following his career in the Air Force, Dan served as a government contracted financial advisor for members of the military from 1986-1998. After retiring in 1998, Dan moved back to his beloved Pittsburgh, PA, to care for his mother until the end of her life in 2001.
Returning to Panama City, FL, in 2001, Dan became an integral part of St. Dominic Catholic Church. Having joined the parish in 1982, Dan served as a leader in the church's Eucharistic Ministry for over a decade. He found great joy and purpose in taking communion to elderly members of the St. Dominic community who were residing in local nursing homes. Always the social butterfly, Dan also loved to give rides as part of the car ministry as well as help care for Fr. Joe's dog, Marco. Truly, one of Dan's great loves in life was serving as an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church for more than 20 years, a special place which would become his church home for over four decades. In this special place, Dan met his long-term partner, Evic Hewitt.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dororthy Russell, and his grandson, Joel Griggs.
Dan is survived by his long-term partner, Evic Hewitt; children Jeffrey (Julie) Russell, Laura (Gina) Russell, Patrick (Heather) Russell and Colleen (Marc) Bolton. He is also survived by Carole Terrell, his former wife and mother of his children; grandchildren: Jon (Laura) Bolton, Jared (Mary) Russell, Emily (Dan) Cummings, Colin (Ava) Russell, Nikki Lopez, Aubrey Russell, Bella Russell, Amy Lopez, Faith Russell, Emma Russell, Penelope Eloise Russell; great grandchildren: Shepard Russell, Josie Mae Cummings, Noah Russell, and Augustine Russell; and sister, Kathleen Anderson.
Visitation on Friday, August 16th from 6:30-8 pm, with rosary at 8pm at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mount Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, PA, 15116.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am ET, Saturday, August 17, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, St. Ursula Church, 3937 Kirk Avenue, Allison Park, PA, 15101, followed by military graveside services at St. Anthony Cemetery, 700 Soose Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15209. All are welcome to join the family to share an afternoon meal celebrating Dan's life at Monte Cello's Ross, 2198 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. Please contact Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mount Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, PA, 15116, (412) 486-4546 with any questions.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Dominic Catholic Church in Panama City, FL, in memory of Daniel "Danny" J. Russell at 3308 E 15th St, Panama City, FL 32405 or by calling the church office at (850) 785-4574.
Please copy and paste link to watch Dan's Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/92KXSGK8MZLF5BDD
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