William S. Russ

William S (Bill) Russ was born on July 22, 1927 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to John and Gussie Brickner Russ. He passed on from this life on Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 at home with his wife, Emma, and family by his side. In his younger years, Bill attended Saint Patrick's Catholic school in Harrisburg where from the age of 9 through 14 he got up early each morning to serve as an alter boy for Mass. His family then moved to Landisburg when he was 15 and he and his sister, Joanna (Susie) attended Landisburg High School. Bill dropped out of school in 1943, went to work at Maslands, then later that summer joined the U.S. Merchant Marines where he became a Merchant Seaman. Upon graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marines work was difficult to find.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served from 1946 to 1949.

Bill began his construction career as a carpenter apprentice.  He progressed as a carpenter, to foreman, and later to superintendent for numerous commercial construction projects. He supervised college dormitories, a college auditorium, and several municipal treatment plants. He finished his construction career as a Quality Control Manager for Tracy Engineers.

Bill was very involved in the community as a member of the Lions Club, the Fire Company, the Ambulance Team, and later served on the School Board of the West Perry School District. He was also active in church and taught Sunday School. He and his wife, Emma, were members of Mount Gilead Church in Shermans Dale, and most recently attended Three Springs Church

Bill leaves behind his wife, Emma J Frey Russ, of 68 years, four children, Gay (Russ) Irwin, Mike Russ and his wife, Carol (Chubb), Ted Russ and his wife Becky(Arnold), and Joy (Russ) Zerance. He has 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

He was happiest when he was outdoors with a gun or fishing pole in his hand preferably with a family member or friend. He was a member of the Lone Pine Hunting Camp for many years. His hobbies brought many friends into his life. He loved his family and enjoyed traveling with them from Canada to the Florida Keys. Many weekends were spent with his family at the cabin fishing and boating on Raystown Lake. Recently his well-manicured garden became a source of pride. One thing Bill enjoyed more than reminiscing about his work or hunting was sharing his faith. He loved Old Testament Scripture and encouraging others to grow in their faith. His worn Bible had a permanent resting place by his throne where he read it multiple times cover to cover.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home Inc.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Three Springs Church in Blain,PA. 944 Three Springs Rd Blain, PA 17006 and to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22478
Oklahoma City, OK 73123

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