Jerome L. “Jay” Russell

Jerome L. “Jay” Russell was born on December 15, 1951, in Akron, Ohio—under the Goodyear clock while his parents were on their way to the hospital. It was a fittingly memorable beginning for a man who would spend his life making lasting memories with the people he loved.

Jay met the love of his life, Marianne (Chuma), at the University of Akron in the fall of 1971. The two were married on August 24, 1974, and shared 51 wonderful years together.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Marianne N. Russell of Fort Pierce, Florida; daughters, Michelle (Josh) Phillips of Davenport, Florida, Christina “Crissie” (Bill) Clemens of Ravenna, Ohio, and Lisa Toth (Shawn Haggerty) of Akron, Ohio; grandson, Brandon Vignoe Jr. of Ravenna, Ohio; and brother-in-law, Larry Eppler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Evelyn Russell; and his siblings, Pamela (Bud) Minier, Jeffery Russell, and Patricia Eppler.

Jay graduated from Stow High School in Stow, Ohio, with the Class of 1969. He went on to graduate from the University of Akron in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Throughout his career, Jay worked in sales for several businesses, including Renewal by Andersen and Lowe’s.

After retiring, Jay and Marianne relocated to Florida in the summer of 2021. The move allowed Jay to enjoy one of his lifelong passions—fishing. He especially loved deep-sea fishing and spending time out on the water.

Jay had a generous spirit and found great joy in doing things for others. He loved to cook and bake for family and friends, enjoyed playing cards, and especially looked forward to his weekly bridge group in the neighboring community. He was a member of St. James Orthodox Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida. During his years in Ohio, he was a member of the Lions Club and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Mogadore, Ohio, as well as the Russian Brotherhood Organization (RBO) through St. Nicholas.

Jay loved talking to people and never seemed to meet a stranger. One of his most memorable traditions was handing out Wintergreen Life Savers in pairs, always reminding those around him that the true “Life Saver” was Jesus in Heaven. It was a simple gesture that perfectly reflected Jay’s faith, kindness, and love for connecting with others.

Jay will be remembered for his warm heart, his love of family, his faith, his generosity, and the many conversations, meals, fishing trips, card games, and memories he shared with those around him.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at St. James Orthodox Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida. A service will follow at 8:00 PM.

Burial services will take place in Ohio and will be under the care of Anthony Funeral Home in Akron, Ohio.