Russell James Emele

Russell James Emele, age 70, U.S. Navy veteran, devoted husband of Shelby Bigsby, and resident of Oakland, passed away on November 15, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mr. Emele was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Bishop Henry High School in Pennsylvania. He later attended San Jose State College and began his career with the United States Postal Service and Campbell Shipyard.

On September 5, 1987, he married the love of his life, Ms. Shelby Bigsby, and together they shared many years filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Mr. Emele enjoyed traveling with his wife to Cancun and the Caribbean, reading, playing computer games, and spending time with friends. He especially loved watching football, tuning into Fox News, and showing Irish Setters at competitions.

Mr. Emele will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Shelby Emele; two stepdaughters, Denise (Bill) Merschman and Tiffany Ellis; his sister-in-law, Stacy Emele; his brother, Frank Emele; and four step-grandchildren, Nicholas Frazer, Emily Frazer, Alexis Ellis, and Mackenzie Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad J. Emele and Eleanor Grey; his sister, Cindy Pukopa; and his brother, Greg Emele.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Emele will be private.