Russell A. Micheletta

Russell was born on April 11th, 1963, to Marilyn K. Sullivan Miller and Richard A. Miller. He attended Springfield schools, later earning his G.E.D. at a young age. Russell learned his trade in concrete work from his father, Richard. Russell started as a union laborer for Local 477, then transferred to a finisher for Local 18. After that, he also worked for many well-known concrete companies. Russell was a hard worker his whole life. He was known to handle the workload of many. Russell was one-of-a-kind, with an adventurous, youthful spirit. In his younger days, he lived a wild and crazy life. Russell was known to be very loud, but many do not know that during his childhood he became deaf in one ear. Russell was well-known around town. He wasn't always the easiest to get along with, but those who knew him knew he truly had a heart of gold. He would go out of his way to help others by fixing things in their homes, and he was known for helping those in need. He never met a stranger and treated everyone like family.

Russell only had one biological child, but he introduced all his daughters' siblings as his own. When any of us needed help, he was always there. He was also known as Grandpa or Uncle Russell to a lot of his good friends' children. As Russell’s father got older, Russell lived with and cared for his father for years at home until he passed away in 2019, leaving him heartbroken. After that, he started slowing down and living a less hectic life. We were very proud of the changes he had made. He cooked five coarse meals morning and night for his father and their dog, Rosie. Russell has helped many people over the years. He also helped a lot of his elderly neighbors and his family by doing all their yard work, cleaning his daughter’s garage, and putting up or cleaning pools every summer for his grandkids. On the day he passed, he was making plans to put up a new pool this year for his grandchildren.

Russell enjoyed cooking, listening to music, having drinks, playing slots, taking care of animals, spending time with his daughter and grandkids, acting silly with his grandkids, singing, and dancing. bowling, fishing, partying, and riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Tonya Micheletta, one brother, James Micheletta, many half-siblings, and his daughter’s mother, Cynthia Wheeler, who recently passed away in April.

Russell is survived by his daughter Crystal (Mike) Micheletta of Springfield; stepchildren Kyle (Linda) Graham, Catherine (Paul) Paisley, Karen (George) Earl, Gary (Samantha) Anderson, and Jacob Barnard; 4 grandchildren: Alissa Gay, Mikey Gay, Jordan Gay, and Micah Gay; 1 great-granddaughter, Alayla Vaughn; 2 nephews, Richard Micheletta and Kenny Micheletta; 1 niece, Courtney Micheletta Morgan; close cousins Melissa, Kourtlyn, Belle, Chelsey, Jack, and Garrett; many step-grandchildren; uncles, aunts, cousins; 1 half-sister; his dog Rosie; and lots of friends.

Russell will be deeply missed by his daughter Crystal, son-in-law Mike Gay, his grandchildren, his dog Rosie, and many family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, where a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

Memorials may be made to the GoFundMe account for the MIcheletta family.