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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
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Russell Prusak Obituary
December 3, 1946 - July 30, 2025
Russell Prusak, 78, of Troutville, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. He was the son of the late John and Katherine Prusak.
Russell, also known as Big Russ and Uncle Russ to many, was of Ukrainian descent, from Lviv, and born in Germany on December 3, 1946. In 1949, he migrated to the U.S. with his parents. He was a lifelong musician who toured the United States and Caribbean, a member of the I.A.T.S.E. (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Local 55 who worked hundreds of concerts and shows, and a faithful attendee of Basilica of St. Andrew Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stefan and Anna Prusak; parents, John and Katherine Prusak; brother, Roy Roman Prusak; aunt Anna and uncle Emil Rogulski; and cousin, Joe Rogulski.
He is survived by his brother, Ivan Stevan Prusak and his daughter, Ella; nephew, Roy Shannon Prusak, his wife, Brandy, and their children, Ryann and Karter; nephew, Russell Steven Prusak, his wife, Shae, and their children, Bryson and Weston; and cousins, Maria and Steve Shrader and their daughters, Olivia and Stacy.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's East Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Andrew Catholic Church on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 12 p.m., with the Rev. Andrew Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held after the funeral back at the social hall of Basilica of St. Andrew for any who would like to join.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, please consider the Basilica of St. Andrew Catholic Church, 631 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, Va. 24016. Condolences may be made at Oakeys.com.
Oakey's Funeral Service - East Chapel
Roanoke, Va., (540) 977-3909
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Prusak
Sponsored by Oakey's East Chapel.
3 Entries
Cheryl Preston
August 4, 2025
Condolences to the family during this difficult time. God bless you.
Alan Bagley
August 4, 2025
My condolences to the Prusak family. May God grant the family peace in this time of grief. I certainly see where his nephew (Russell) gets his love of music.
Chuck Rowell
August 3, 2025
Russ was in two bands that I was with him in the 1960´s. We stayed in touch over the years as best we could. He played in many bands and is known by most musicians in the greater Roanoke area.
He was a kind, southern gentleman to all. He will definitely be missed by all who knew him. He was truly loved by many...
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