Richard A. "Rick" Russell

We regret to announce the passing of Richard "Rick" A. Russell, aged 72, who passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after a brief illness.

Rick was born in Newtown Square, PA, on April 22, 1952, the son of the late Richard V. Russell and Marilyn Altman Russell. He moved to Pittsburgh soon after graduating from Penn State University in 1974 to work for Gannet Fleming, Inc. as a civil engineer. He was proud to have designed the Murray Avenue Bridge and a station for the new DC Metro, but the law was his true calling. He received his Juris Doctor from The University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He loved being a lawyer and enjoyed a long career in the legal department at Giant Eagle. He retired in 2018. 

Giant Eagle is where Rick met his wife, Loretta Stanish. They were married in 1989 in the backyard of their house in Squirrel Hill where they raised their family and hosted many festive parties. In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by his children Emily Russell (Fred Egler) and Sam Russell (Mike Lawliss), his sister, Dr. Christy A. Russell, and brothers, Scott Russell and Gary Russell. He was a beloved brother-in-law to S. Frank Stanish (Clarica) and Steve Stanish (Haley) and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

To know Rick Russell was to know he went to Penn State. His time at the school and the friends he made as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity left him with a profound love for the university, advocating strongly for any graduating high school senior to consider going Blue and White (which Emily and Sam both did, along with nieces, neighbors, and friends). 

From the moment he woke up until the moment he went to sleep he listened to the listener-supported, non-commercial Pittsburgh radio station WYEP. His particular favorite program was the block of blues music at 5pm on Saturday evenings, “Big Town Blues.” He was an avid lover and patron of the arts in any and every form. He read many periodicals every day in his favorite chair by the window, porch, or lanai (or in the backyard for the hour that the sun hit the porch in the wrong way).

Rick Russell could work a room. He had perfected the Caesar salad. He was joyful, high energy, and beloved for his frequent catchphrases (“No fruit, no straw”) and wisdoms (“Pay attention! Take good notes!”). He was a self professed yogi, practicing yoga for over twenty years. 

After retiring, he and Loretta traveled far and wide and became snowbirds, spending the winter in Venice, FL. He especially loved visiting Emily and Sam in Brooklyn and multiple trips to Italy with friends. He continued his education through classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning program at Pitt.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at their home on August 12 from 5pm-8pm, and August 13 from 1pm-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WYEP.

Rick will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family, and many loving friends. 

Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)