David "Dave" W. Russell

David Ward Russell, of Columbus, Ohio, and formerly of San Diego, California, passed away suddenly on October 1, 2022 at 55. He was born on March 6, 1967 to Thomas and Carolyn (Lackey) Russell in Columbus. Dave was a 1985 graduate of Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, and an avid sports player. He loved being both a leader and teammate in football, wrestling, and baseball, and always played to win! He continued his education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technology with a specialization in Management. There, he was part of the Sigma Nu fraternity and was an active student, participating in many campus events and activities.

Following college, he packed up his belongings, and started a cross-country trek to pursue his first job with Sony Electronics in Sunny San Diego. With his strong work ethic and heart of integrity, he quickly became a leader amongst his colleagues and achieved managerial roles throughout the remainder of his career. During his time at Sony, Dave married and had two daughters (Brianna Russell & Elie Russell) whom he loved dearly. He loved being a father, protector, and #1 fan to his girls and was always incredibly proud of them. After 20 years at Sony, he then pursued a production management role at Teledyne Instruments - API where he excelled as a production manager, and was a leader and friend to many. In 2021, Dave packed up his life once again, and made another cross-country journey back to his home state of Ohio to be close to his family. In the last year, he spent his time being a loving son to his parents, a present brother, and a proud Buckeye. He recently bought a house in the Columbus area and began a new job in management with Mettler Toledo.

Dave’s life was filled with many people and things that brought a smile to his face. Quick to laughter and jokes, his witty and “little-boy” spirit was always looking for mischief and creating a reason to smile. Some of his favorite things included walking Coronado Beach with his girls, eating a Hot Torpedo from Gaetano’s or tacos from Tacos el Gordo, Jet Skiing in the San Diego Bay, watching Ohio State football with his dad, hiking Mission Gorge, eating a Massey’s pizza, going to the movies (and ordering a large Pepsi and nachos with extra jalapeños), his mom’s rhubarb pie, sharing a beer with his friends, and anything and everything Harley Davidson.

Dave always set the example for living with courage, strength and honesty. He loved to support those around him and always had zeal for the little, but sweet moments in life. He’ll be missed dearly but his impact and influence will be carried on by those who loved and learned from him. Our hearts are confident Dave is now resting with the Lord and his past loved ones, and he’ll be grinning from ear to ear to welcome us each with one of his big bear hugs as we enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Dave is preceded in death by his son, Liam Russell); sister (Krystie Russell); and his grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Bri & Elie Russell; parents Tom & Carrie Russell; brother Brad (Amy) Russell, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST FUNERAL HOME. No services have been planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.