JOSEPH "RUSS" BRANDRIFF

Joseph "Russ" Brandriff, 82, of Millville passed away quietly at his home on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, surrounded by his loving wife, Joana, and stepdaughter, Deborah Marley. He had been in failing health for the past two years and had been a resident of Millville for 25 years.

Born on Dec. 16, 1927, in Bridgeton, he was raised in Rosenhayn. He was the son of the late Charles Brandriff Sr. and Phyllis Scythes Brandriff.

Russ joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific as an electrician's mate. Thereafter, he served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. After his discharge, he became employed with the U.S. Postal Service in Pennsylvania, where he worked until his retirement.

Russ enjoyed his handiwork as a carpenter. His friends and family would refer to him as "Mr. Fix-It." He enjoyed crabbing and fishing, crossword puzzles or any other challenging games. He loved to sit and watch the geese and ducks at a nearby pond. He also enjoyed garage and yard sales with his wife and stepdaughter, always trying to find that "Hidden Treasure." He had a passion for his animals.

Russ was a very active member of his church, the Fairton Christian Center.

Besides his wife, Joana Hess Brandriff, and stepdaughter, Deborah Marley, he is survived by three brothers and two sisters, Grace Dubiel of New Jersey, Warren Brandriff of New Jersey, Charles Brandriff Jr. of Georgia, Robert Brandriff of Connecticut and Susan Marks of Wisconsin. He also is survived by four children, Russell, Edward, Daniel and Deborah Cook; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Padgett Funeral Home, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Township. There will be no public viewing.

Written condolences and tributes may be sent to the family through the funeral home Web site at www.padgettfuneralhome.com.