David Russell

1950 - 2025

David Russell, 74, of Conneaut, OH, passed away on Aug. 2, 2025, at UPMC Hamot in Erie. Born on Dec. 12, 1950, in Columbus, OH, Dave was the eldest son of the late John and Janet Russell of Murrysville. He was a welder, outdoorsman, licensed Coast Guard charter captain, and master fisherman known for catching his limit of walleye on Lake Erie (in record time); his love of practical jokes; and his collection of CB radios, on which he communicated worldwide as a General Class Radio Operator licensed by the FCC. Dave is survived by his children, Michael (Jessica) Russell, Melanie (Alex) Dunn, and Elizabeth (Michael) Harris; grandchildren, Lily, Ada, Lana, Ruby, Finn, Julian, and Alex; sisters, Beth (Pete) Altman and Rebecca Russell (Tommy Conner); brothers, Jeff (Beth) Russell and Mark Russell; many loving nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Julie, who supported him in his later years. He is preceded in death by his brother Stephen, in addition to his parents. He loved his work and was incredibly skilled as a welder, relished tinkering on his '62 Harley Panhead, and, as captain and owner of North Shore Charters, taught his unmatchable patience and skill as a fisherman to his kids and grandkids. David continually surprised his loved ones and many friends, not only with his wild stories about his younger years but also with his incredible strength in the face of pain, wicked sense of humor, and fierce independence. Visitation for Dave will be held at 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at HART FUNERAL HOME in Murrysville. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at St. Bartholomew's Church in Crabtree. Interment will follow in the Murrysville Cemetery. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the ICU staff at UPMC Hamot. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.