Derrick Maurice Russell

Obituary Alleyne; his aunt, Ilse Russell; uncles, David Russell, Carl Russell, and Jerry Russell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Derrick Maurice Russell was born on May 4, 1971, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Patricia Ann Russell. He was the youngest of her sons and a beloved member of the Russell family. Derrick attended Pittsburgh Public Schools, including H.B. Davis Elementary, Colfax Elementary, Reizenstein Middle School, and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. Following graduation, Derrick pursued his passion for serving his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He often reflected on his time in the Navy with great pride and expressed his wish to have made it a lifelong career. Derrick had a natural talent and love for cooking. He honed his culinary skills while working in several restaurants, where his creativity shone. One of his proudest achievements was having one of his original recipes featured on the menu at Steel Cactus Restaurant, where it became a customer favorite. Derrick's cooking brought joy to many, and he kept the ingredients of some of his most cherished recipes a secret, even from family and friends. His favorite dishes to prepare included chili, tacos, wings, and steaks, each crafted with care and creativity. Later in life, Derrick shifted his career to landscaping and tree removal, where he found fulfillment working in nature until his untimely passing. As a child, Derrick displayed exceptional athletic talent, particularly in baseball, earning a spot on the All-Star team every year he played. During his final season of Little League, he was recognized for stealing the most bases of any player. Derrick also loved playing pickup football in his neighborhood and admired football legend Deion Sanders. Whenever he intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown, he would celebrate with Sanders' iconic touchdown dance. Derrick had a lifelong passion for studying history, religion, and military eras. He enjoyed engaging in meaningful conversations about these subjects with family and friends. Known for his sharp wit and infectious laughter, Derrick had a gift for lifting the spirits of those around him. His sense of humor was a source of encouragement during difficult times, and many believed he could have had a successful career as a stand-up comedian. On January 5, 2025, Derrick peacefully departed this life with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Russell; grandparents, Gladys and Herbert Russell; aunts, Marva Russell, Audrey Thorpe, and Beverly Russell; and uncles, Edward, Walter, Wallace, Herbert, James, and Merritt Russell. Derrick leaves to cherish his memory his children, Derrick Russell Jr. and Eliana Johnston; his brothers, Mark Russell and Merritt Russell; his "self-proclaimed mother," Carol Russell Derrick will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends will remain in their hearts forever.
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