I was on vacation when I found out John had passed. My deepest sympathy to you Kathy and your children. John had such a great sense of humor, he made me laugh every morning at Osco.I will miss him. God has taken a special man.

Just heard the very sad news.  Our hearts go out to you at this horrific time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  
Katie (O'Sullivan) and Joe O'Brien

To All the Russells,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you all, since I heard the very sad news about John. Guy had a smile for the ages - I know that much. I also know you have very special memories of a wonderful guy. I hope pictures and happy thoughts of him remain in your mind forever. You have my prayers and love.
Sean

Every since you have been gone, I haven't stopped thinking about you Uncle John, You were this amazing soul and Every since I was a little kid, I always felt wanted at your home and you never failed to make me smile with your funny sense of humour. Especially when things were tough for me everytime you came over you would always make me laugh and ask how everything was and gave the best advice: Thank you for never judging me and especially thank you for giving someone who i care for so much a chance, I will never forget that. When I'm older I can only hope to be as great of a person you were to your family and friends. You had one of the best personalities ever and god must have needed you for even greater purposes up there, he probably needed to hear some new jokes. Till we can meet again, I love you and will cherish your memory forever In my heart. Save a spot for us all up there.

We met John & Kathy through my daughter, Connie McLaughlin, and spent time conversing with them on certain occasions.
He was so very nice and cordial and I know his family will miss him tremendously. Our prayers and thought are with you. God Bless!

I haven't talked to my old friend Jim in years and was deeply saddened to hear about John. He was part of a great family...Prayers for you all.

Bill Hack

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with John  and (Jim) at Firestone. He always had a smile on his face and was loved by all. I am sure he will be missed by many. My prayers are with his family.

My condolences to the Russell family he was a great friend and we had lots of laughs together

Very fortunate to have enjoyed John's company and friendship over the last 45 years, or maybe more.  I was lucky enough to have married my wife Beth and, lo and behold, John married Beth's sister Kathy.  So I enjoyed and witnessed John's humor and compassion for his family and care for all.  I haven't figured this out yet but I, as we all, will.  God bless Kathy, Kailyn, JT, Sara and Mary.  What a great family!  A truly loving family! Will miss, but wont, forget you.  Love you!

So sad to hear today of the loss of an old friend, someone I worked with for 8yrs. Played softball with on the Sluggers, Unknowns, and Truckers for 13yrs. He was the best damn pitcher I ever saw( tho he didn't hit a lick)lol,,,helping lead us to 6 League Championships, and 3 runner up teams,,I think,,,,and the funniest S.O.B. you ever met. Rest in Peace Johnny. We'll see you on the diamond and we'll celebrate again @Groucho's  on the other side.

So sorry to hear about Johns passing. Thinking of him brings back many happy childhood memories. My prayers go out to Johns family.

 As a neighbor of John's, I will miss his tremendously kind and caring approach to every one. John was an amazingly friendly and loving person who every one lucky enough to know him felt blessed . Prayers for his wonderful wife and his children.His spirit of generousity and compassion lives on in family.

Dear Kathy, JT, Kailyn, Sara and Mary, We are heartbroken over the news of John's death. He was always about the kids.  We will always be eternally grateful for all he did for all the kids at KP.  He was a wonderful coach and he worked tirelessly to make baseball a wonderful experience for all.  One of our fondest memories of John is seeing him pulling Sara and Mary in the wagon around KP. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We are so sorry to hear about John's passing. Kathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and family during this difficult time. God bless. With our deepest condolences, Charles, Ivette, Amanda & Alex Williams

My condolences to the entire Russell family.
I worked with John for over 10 years and always admired his love for his family, and the Sox! 
A good man, and a kind spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family

Our condolences to John's family. John was a good neighbor, friend, and will be missed by all who knew him

I didn't know you for long but you was a awesome and supportive dad. I will miss seeing you walk pass my door with your daughter and dog going to the park to watch the game at Kennedy Park or  stopping to talk for a few minutes. I was so sadden when I heard the news but Heaven has a wonderful neighbor,dad, husband, brother, uncle and most of all Friend. You have received your wings so fly and I know that the great neighbor You Are you will continue to watch over your entire family and neighbors that's the awesome guy I knew. Praying for strength for your family. Your neighbor.

At a complete loss of words. Unbelievable how quickly this all came about. Thoughts and prayers for the whole family, and especially for Kathy and the kids. Wishing I could be there for the services, if only to offer my condolences personally as well as pay respects to John. His jokes, smiles, and laugh will be missed dearly. Rest peacefully Uncle John

Our daughter's played softball together and we would look forward to going to the games and sitting with John Russell in left field. I would always try to give John a hug:) John would always back up, and say to me,"John, I don't do hugs": ( I say, John does hugs now, and got the biggest hug, when entering heaven, from our LORD JESUS CHRIST! John, your home! I know John will always be with his family,  and always be hanging out in left field:) luv you buddy!!!!!:) So sorry for your loss!

My condolences to the Russell family. Special memories growing up on Kolmar Ave. Maureen Roche Covey.

Dear John's Family.
I met John many years ago at a sporting event. He was very kind and nice to talk with. He will be remember in my prayers and rosary.
Blessings
Brother Tom O.S.F.

John was a good man and my condolences to the Russell family

So sad to learn of John's passing.  We worked at Walgreens together and when he would come to work his tie was always undone and his shirt sleeves were never buttoned, and you know what it looked good on him because it was John.Such a respectful kid who always put me in a good mood.  We send our sympathy to John's family.  He will always be remembered in our prayers.  The Ingala Family

Dear Kathy,  I am so sad to learn of the death of your dear husband, and my beloved Godson, John Murray Russell.  What a great guy and how he will be missed by all.  My deepest sympathy to you , the kids,his mom,  Barbara Russelll and all the Russell family. My thoughts and prayers are with you though I am out of town at this time.  I have a bad upper respiratory infection or I would be with you.    Love,  Mary Scannell Zunic

My heart is breaking for all of you.  I am so sorry to hear of John's passing.  My prayer is that you will find comfort knowing John is no longer suffering and you will find peace in knowing you do not walk this journey alone.  God bless.

my deepest condolences to Barb Russell and her family.  It's been an incredibly hard year for all of you.  I hope that your faith in God helps you through yet another horrible loss.

Sheila - So sorry to hear about your brother John. I know the loss of a sibling is very difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

John sat behind me in most of my classes in high school.  We talked a lot.  he was one of the nicest guys.  God bless his soul.

John was a sweetheart through and through, such a special person; our hearts are broken for him and his family, he always put a smile on our faces, my deepest condolences to Kathy, their kids and the whole Russell Family.

JMJ Deepest sympathy and prayers,  The Roland Family

I was sorry to hear of John's passing.  We went to grade school together, and though it was many years ago I remember him as being smart, strong, and full of life -- a great guy.  My condolences to John's family and friends, and I confidently pray that he rests in peace.

John, You got me my first real job at Walgreens, went to countless concerts, Stones,Tull,Sabbath,to Neil Young and all that goes with that. Basketball in your backyard, weekend parties in my Dads basement, and so many other great memories. Maryellen and I were so happy to see you and your lovely wife this past June. My words will never be able to express the void left here. You have left a footprint on how a man should live his life. I feel fortunate that our lives crossed paths.
See you soon.

John rest in pease, our prayers go out too you and your family. The Shea Family

I went to St. Bede's with John and played on a baseball team coached by his dad. I wasn't very good, but the Russells made me feel like I was. My condolences to a kind and wonderful family.

To Mrs. Russell, Sheila, Mary and all the Russell's, I'm so sorry and saddened for your loss, words cannot express.  You are a great family and it is truly a testament to the type of guy John was by reading all the wonderful memories of him by his friends.  I'll keep you all in my prayers.

John, I still cannot believe we've lost you.  I always remember the smile on your face and your wonderful sense of humor!  You always made me laugh, even at your own father's wake.  I know you are having a great time up there with your Dad and my Mom and Dad, laughing and joking and watching over all of us.  Have a beer up there for me John.  See you again.

Some of the best times of our youth were shared with John , thanks for the memories , Love  you John , see ya again

Kathy & kids,  I was so shocked and deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He was always such a great neighbor and friend.  I'm sure Tony met him up there (with his FAVORITE dogs) and they are having their own block party.  God Bless all of you now and always.  You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Our families go back to the 60's,we played many football games together.Every time I saw you we laughed about the old days.My condolences to the Russell Family,John will be missed..

I knew Johnny growing up in the old neighborhood.  Always a great guy with a smile on his face.  So sad to hear of his passing.  I send my condolences to the entire Russell Family.

John always had a smile and the kids wanted him to get the win.  Great coach, great guy, friendly face- you will be missed.

Learning of John's passing was shocking and heartbreaking. John has left me with years of memories and so many stories, all of which make me smile or laugh when I recall them. For this I am thankful and fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.

Sheila and family,
On behalf of all your friends at Titan Electric please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Brant

We just do not know what to say. Our hearts ache with the loss of John. We are just so sorry for all of you. John was such a great person. Always made me laugh. Just thinking the past few days on how I met all of you through Wayne and I am so glad that I did. So, so, so many great times at your home Kath. Birthday parties, graduation parties, St. Patty's day parties. I am so glad I was able to see him and talk to him a few months ago under such a sad time in your lives yet again. Wayne is beyond words. I still remember all the stories Wayne told me of eating dinner at the Russell home. All of them at the table. The stories are hilarious. We love you guys so much. Seeing all of your children grow up. All of the families children growing up together. So many memories. I can hear his laugh and see his smile in my head while I am writing this right now. We are just so very, very sorry. John was amazing. We love you all. John will always be in our hearts.  Love Robin, Waynedoe and Wayne

Wow, speechless. I remember playing cards at Phil's house and I would take the blame as sometimes Johnny would accidentally knock over beers while he would take the winnings. Of course, Phil yelled at me and I would hope in return, Johnny would let me win a hand. That did not happen. What a great guy and family man. I know John is in heaven with his Father watching over all his family and friends. We will meet again. God Bless!

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my coworker and good friend John Russell,my heart goes out to his family and friends.John was an absolute pleasure to work with,we have had many laughs over the years and i will never forget him,rest in peace John,you will be missed.

Please accept my condolences for your loss.  John and I became friends while I was coaching Kailyn, Sara, and Mary with their pitching.  He was truly a great man and coach.  He will be missed by all the lives he touched.  I will miss his humor and his friendship most.  Bill Lammel

My deepest sympathies go out to John's entire family during this extremely difficult time.  He always made me laugh, no matter what the occasion.  I know he is in Heaven now telling jokes and talking about the White Sox with his dad.

To The Russell Family - I have worked with John for the past 12 years. Please accept my condolences on his passing. It was an honor to have known such a great man and I will truly miss him. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of John rest in peace.

Sometimes you get the chance to work with someone who can make each day feel a lot more joyful, someone who always has a witty comment, someone who always has a smile and simply someone whom you can call a friend, and John was that person.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Johns passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I worked with John daily in the customer service office of Osco. Please accept my condolences on the passing of John. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will truly miss him. May God embrace your family in comfort during this difficult time.

John, We will always remember how you  always put your family first. Watching you walk down the street with the kids to play ball in the park.
 You always had a Witty comment about something. Your neighborhood presents will be greatly missed. We will miss you!
You were one of the good ones!

John's first words to me after showing up to Sara or Mary games was always thanks Jeni for coming..didnt he realize seeing him at those games would always brighten up my day. Just arriving on my bike the first thing he would do was give up his chair often times Mary sitting on my lap. John would always be there for me when I needed"a good ear"&to give a little Humor to lighten up my mood. He always put other people's concerns before his own. I will miss that most &our little chats. He so loved everyone and we so loved him. I will miss that great man.

I always enjoyed Johnny especially at my brother Phil's house when we would have our card games. Although he loved to spill beer on me and Phil's floor, I unfortunately would take them blame hoping he would let me win a couple of hands. I know he is heaven with his father looking down and making sure his family and friends are ok. Rest in Peace my friend.

Dear Kathy and children,  I too remember John's sense of humor with his jokes about my "Rent a husband" and "Rent a kids" when I would visit in Chicago.  It is a terrible loss for all of you, but I hope you will be comforted with all the happy memories you have of John. Love, Helen

I will deeply miss John. I worked with John over the last 11 years at Osco. I will miss talking to him in the morning and his smart sense of humor! He was always happy, helpful and LOVED talking about his family. I will miss him asking me to make my chocolate chip cookies with all my free time! He was a very dependable person always there to help. God must of needed  a wonderful, dependable, and happy person in heaven to take John. I will keep him and his family in my daily prayers.

I was a coworker of John's. I truly enjoyed every year at baseball season him teasing me about my Chicago Cubbies winning a World Series Game. Words cannot express my sorrow. Our office won't be the same without John. He will be truly missed. My deepest sympathies are with you all.

John, I remember your keen sense of humor, and even as a kid, you were always a gentleman.  You carried a light within you, and gave it to your family and others.  Save a place up there for us, until we see you again.

OBITUARY

John Russell

March 12, 1962 – February 15, 2016

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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