Obituary of Donald L. Russell

Rev. Donald L. Russell, Sr., 81, of 118 Bank St., Pleasantville passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Rev. Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in Cokeburg to the late Elmer and Lillian Matthews Russell. He married Joan Crowe on Feb. 1, 1958, at the Liberty Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Ellsworth High School, class of 1952, and went through the United Methodist course of study leading to his licensing of a United Methodist Pastor. Donald was formerly employed as a manager in the machine shop department of Cytemp Specialty Steel Corp. After finishing seminary Donald began pastoring at Mt. Hope, Pine Grove and Enterprise Churches. He also served as associate pastor for the Titusville United Methodist Church. Donald has been the pastor of the Pleasantville United Methodist Church for the past several years. He was a member of the Titusville Lions Club, an active volunteer for the Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry, an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan and enjoyed vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC. Donald is survived by four children, Debbi Passaglia and husband Michael of Chicago, IL, Donald L. Russell, Jr. and wife Patricia of Phenix City, AL, Kathy J. Russell Dolan of Lead, SD, Scott E. Russell and wife Annnabelle of Erie; six grandchildren, Jeremy Yasek, Heather Maloney, Mandy Jenkins, Kaitlyn, Lillian, and Lochlan Russell. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Lojek, and a grandson Jonathan Yasek. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St., Titusville on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM and Sunday from 2 to 4 PM. Funeral services will be conducted from the Pleasantville United Methodist Church on Monday at 11:00 AM with Pastor Lee Baker and Pastor Chuck Riel, officiating. Interment will be in Kiser Hill Cemetery, Meadville. In lieu of flowers family wishes to have memorial contributions may be made to the Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry, 120 Merrick Street, Pleasantville, PA 16341.