John Jack Francis Russell

John Francis Russell "JACK" 71 of Largo Florida passed away peacefully on Thursday September 6, 2012 under the care of Hospice House Woodside in Pinellas Park. He was born in Manhattan NY and has lived in the Largo area for 20 years coming from Patchogue Long Island NY. During his working years Jack was employed by the Suffolk County Police Department serving at the rank of Lieutenant at retirement. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. He was a member of American Legion Post 273 Madeira Beach FL, and Past President of the Patchogue Rotary Club. He was the recipient of the Rotary Clubs prestigious Paul Harris Award. Jack also was a greeter at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Largo and member of the Rules Committee for Largo Golf Course Mens League. Jack was an avid fan of the New York Rangers, Giants and Yankees. After moving to Florida he became a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays. Jack and his wife Joan enjoyed leisure travel to Puerto Rico and Ireland. He was especially proud of this Irish Catholic heritage. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing. Survivors include his wife of 49 years Joan (Quail) Russell, sons; John and daughter in law Yolanda,Timothy Russell and daughter in law Pamela, daughter, Kathleen Russell, brother Kenneth Russell and sister in law Virginia, grandchildren; Corinne Russell, Sean Patrick Russell, Maggie Russell, Sean Hunter Russell, Mikaela Celone, Amber Celone. Also survived by niece Jane Kowalski and nephew James Temperino, and predeceased by a sister Jane Dubaniewicz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday September 12, 2012 at 11 am in St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Largo. Visitation hours are planned for Tuesday September 11, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Moss Feaster Funeral Home Serenity Gardens Chapel in Largo FL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Life Line Ministries of St Jerome's Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd Largo FL 33774.