Roland DeRussy

DERUSSY, Roland John Our beloved father, Roland John DeRussy, finished his final race with family by his side, on October 28, 2023 in Bradenton, Florida. He led a full and rich life; he was 94. He was born on June 1, 1929 to Allen Clyde DeRussy and Elizabeth Slater DeRussy in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. A high school sports star, he excelled in football and basketball. He served in Germany as a U.S. Army corporal during the Korean War, where he married our mother in 1954. He joined his father in the DeRussy & Son Painting & Decorating business in Cleveland. Roland became a teacher, receiving his Master's degree in Education from Kent State University. In 1970, he moved his family to his beloved St. Petersburg, where he taught middle school and was a pioneer in developing work experience programs for high school students. Afterwards, he was a realtor for the Crisp Company for many years. Roland then worked for Children and Family Services as a proud advocate for foster children. His favorite job as a retiree was a Tampa Bay Rays security guard, working into his 80s. He loved baseball. Roland was an avid runner, running in 12 marathons and over 800 races. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He was always positive and loved his family. His favorite saying was "The best is yet to come". He will be sorely missed. Preceded in death by his parents, sister June Foote, and brothers Paul, Allan, and David DeRussy, he is survived by his children, John (Laurie) DeRussy of Canton, GA, Heidi (Tom) Johnson of Bradenton, and Peter (Debbie) DeRussy of Dayton, OH; grandchildren, Kyle (Suzy) Johnson, Jake (Amanda) DeRussy, Nathan (Elizabeth Cady) DeRussy, Matthew (Kortney) Johnson, Scott DeRussy, Kurt (Tara) DeRussy, Emma (Mike) Ivester, Erin (Zach) Pierce; and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way. Interment and service will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 9 am on February 19, 2024.