John Philip Russell Jr.

John Philip Russell, Jr., age 58, of Sunbury, Ohio died peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at St. Ann's Mt. Carmel Hospital following an extended illness and rehabilitation from brain surgery.
On June 29, 1967, he was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents, J. Philip Russell, Sr. and Peggy O'Hara Murdock. He was a twin brother to his sister, Lee Anne McKee.
Despite an early childhood diagnosis of cancer, John showed a life of courage, strength and hope to all who knew him. Always a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement to other young people who might carry a heavy load, his continuing faith amazed and strengthened his family, medical team, and friends.
John graduated from Upper St. Clair High (Upper St. Clair Pennsylvania), attended college at West Virginia Wesleyan and lived a life of service to others throughout 53 years of cancer treatment & survivorship. He loved camping, sports (as participant and spectator) and the company of friends. John was devoted to his animals that became family to all of us who knew him – Bruce & Teddy & Equus.
John was the ultimate volunteer. His favorite church hymn was "Here I am Lord, I will go, Lord." In high school, John was a camp counselor for Camp Hope in Philadelphia (for childhood cancer patients). After college he used his major in technical theater, to give service to Columbus Amateur Theatre, (CATCO) and Shakespeare in the Park. While living in Tennessee John worked for the Rutherford County EMS service and volunteered for their SCUBA Rescue Program. He worked for American Red Cross volunteering service to flood victims and service on their fire rescue team. As an active church volunteer, he went to Florida to help rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Andrew and served his church disaster team after Hurricane Katrina. While living and working in Shelbyville, Tennessee John loved volunteering with the Great Strides Equine Therapy Program.
Upon moving to Delaware County, Ohio John was blessed to find great support through a team of young caregivers he identified as his "other brothers." With their inspiration he became a dedicated soccer (football) fan. John was always a loyal friend and an inspiration to many in a full, joyful and challenging life.
John is survived by his mother, Peggy O'Hara Murdock; his stepfather, Larry Murdock; and twin sister, Lee Anne McKee.
A gathering and memorial service will be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 or at https://www.redcross.org
Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel, Sunbury, Ohio is honored to serve the Russell family. Please visit www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com to share a memory and leave an online condolence.