Russell Alan Mortus

Russell Alan Mortus "Rigor", 81 years of age, born and raised in Twinsburg, OH, passed away on 8/21/25 at 2pm peacefully with family by his side, at Grande Village Manor in Twinsburg.

Russell was born in Cleveland, OH to Harold "Hal" J. Mortus & Hazel Dawn Mortus (nee McCracken) on 1/6/1944. Dad attended R.B. Chamberlain (then Twinsburg High School) and graduated in 1962 with his diploma. Dad was both a Drummer in the marching band for his high school, as well as the Drum Major for parades and during football games. He was very active in his shop classes, both Wood, Metal, and Auto shops...excelling mostly as a self-taught lathe operator. He was also a 2nd Lieutanant in Ohio's Civil Air Patrol alongside his parents and brother, out of Hudson, OH. Russell also was a Tap Dancer during his school days and would often appear in school productions. He would later teach Tap Dancing out of a make-shift studio in his parents' garage.

After High school, dad went on to further his education as a machinist alongside his dad, at The National Screw & Manufacturing Co. located at the time in Cleveland. He would go on to become a tool & die machinist by trade, which would further him in later endeavors and hobbies. Dad was also a truck driver for some time during the late 60's and into the mid 70's driving mostly dump truck and bulk carrier loads in pup style trailers. When he was not driving truck, he was working for Super Finishers in Macedonia as a machine operator. By 1977, Dad's last and final job would be working 27 years for the Northfield/Macedonia Cemetery as an employee helper to his friend Jack Hand, then later took over as superintendent for Jack after his retirement. Dad retired from the Cemetery at age 62 in 2005. Dad would grow bored after retirement for about 2 years, and would work odd jobs for the guys at Super Finishers when they needed an extra hand.

Dad's passion was mostly his music. He was a self-taught banjo, guitar, piano, drummer, & trombone player. He had his own band, "Rigor Mortus & His Deadbeats", who would play mostly ragtime, New Orleans Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, as well as Big Band/Swing....He would occasionally play country western and blue grass with friends but tended to stay with what he knew. His favorite music to play along to and sing with were Gospel Hymns. Often times singing for whatever Church he was attending at the time. Hobbies included fishing, riding his motorcycles, and trains. Trains were a hobby (obsession) that he shared with his family.

Russell is survived by his 2 sons, JJ Mcauley-Mortus of Lehigh Acres, FL and Joshua of Twinsburg, OH. Also his daughter-in-law, Katie Mortus (nee Orzechowski) (Josh's wife), His granddaughter Stephanie Mcauley of Florida, and his great-grandson Omar/ great-granddaughter...Jestanie (Mcauley). His uncle Tom Himler of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, as well as his sister-in-law, Ginny Kay of Valley View, OH. And countless cousins in the Port Clinton, OH areas.

Russell is preceded in death by his brother Patrick (KIA 1/14/68 in Vietnam), his mom Dawn (1/21/98), his dad Hal (12/9/03), & his third wife (Josh's mom) Ann (12/24/21).

Kindrich-Mchugh Steinbauer Funeral Home will be handling the Cremation but will not have a funeral or memorial service. A celebration of life will be held at the Mortus Household, 2146 E. Aurora Road, Twinsburg on September 21. Parking will be next door to the east at the EPA building.

The Mortus family would like to thank the staff at Grande Village Manor -SNF in Twinsburg, OH for their unwavering dedication to take care of dad in his last 2 years of his life, as well as Hospice of The Western Reserve for their constant care in his last months of life. We owe you a debt of gratitude for your love and compassion towards our dad. He thought very highly of the staff from both facilities and thought of you as family. Thank you!!!!