Joseph G. Russick

1st Sgt. Joseph G. Russick, 80, of Old Forge, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on the morning of June 28, 2024.

Born in Jenkins Twp., the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary J. Gerboc Russick of the Junction section of Pittston, he attended St. John the Baptist School and graduated from Pittston High School in 1961. His grandparents, Slovak immigrants Andrew Rusnak and Mary Jankaj Rusnak, were founders of St. John the Baptist Parish.

1st Sgt. Russick served in the United States Army Reserve from 1964 to 1993 with the 365th Engineer Battalion in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He cared deeply for the soldiers he served with, many of whom remained lifelong friends. He participated in relief efforts for Hurricane Agnes, served briefly in Honduras, and was on active duty during the First Gulf War. Several years after retirement, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the United States Army.

In the community, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He served as cubmaster and Webelos Den Leader with Pack 98 in Old Forge and later was active with Troop 61 Old Forge on its troop committee. He spent many summers taking scouts to camp at Goose Pond Scout Reservation and was involved in the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America, in Lowwapaneu Lodge 191, where he served as an advisor to the Ceremonies Committee. He received two of the highest honors in the Order of the Arrow: the Vigil Honor and the Founder's Award. His participation continued until his illness.

Over the years, Mr. Russick worked primarily in two occupations: as a production foreman with several garment factories and as a commissioned boiler inspector with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry from 1992 until his illness in 2019.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Russick.

Mr. Russick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Olga Gatto Russick; his daughter, Lisa Voytko, and her husband, John Voytko, of Spring Brook Twp.; and two sons, Joseph A. Russick of New York and Gregory J. Russick and his wife, Rebecca Edwards Russick, of Clarks Summit. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Richard G. Antonio and Elizabeth R. Russick; a sister, Mary Ann Lussi, and her husband, Jack Lussi; and a brother, Jonathan Russick. Additionally, he is survived by brothers-in-law, Nicholas Gatto and his wife, Catherine, Theodore Gatto, Anthony Gatto and his wife, Mary Kay; and sister-in-law, Susan Russick; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday, July 3, 2024 with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Prince of Peace Parish, 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, pastor. Interment will be in St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Relatives and friends are invited to a public visitation on Wednesday at the church from 9 to 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Russick's honor to Lowwapaneu Lodge 191, c/o Northeastern Pennsylvania Council Boy Scouts of America, 72 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA 18507.

The Russick Family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. To leave an online condolence please visit the funeral home website or Facebook page.