Michael Ray Russell

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 24, 1947. He graduated with an associate degree in respiratory therapy at Pima Community College and served in the US Navy from 1965-1969. Mike was a kind and gentle man.

For many years, Mike worked at Mesa Lutheran and Banner Gateway Hospitals. Since 2003, he has owned and operated Arizona Town Car. Many of his clients and former colleagues became lifelong friends. He was a huge sports fan and especially enjoyed the NY Yankees, NY Giants, UCONN basketball and golf. Mike had a passion for traveling with his wife and enjoyed their trips to San Diego and to see the wild horses in the Salt River Canyon. He loved trying new restaurants, visiting family in Connecticut, and sharing Popeye's with his grandsons.

He is survived by his wife Regina (Malatesta) Russell, his son Christopher (Doreen) Russell and granddaughter Carly Russell, his sisters Roxanne Peterson and Laurie Russell, brother Robert Russell and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his step children Joe (Meg) Malatesta, Maria (Sal) Malatesta Fazzino and Deborah (Mathew) Malatesta Crowley and five grandchildren. He loved and was deeply touched by all of his grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son Sean Russell, brothers Marty and David Russell and Harry (the bird).