Obituary of Eugene Russell

Eugene P. (“Chic”) Russell passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 21, 2018. He was 91 years old.

Born and raised in Harrison, NJ to the late Patrick and Josephine Russell, Eugene was one of nine children. His parents emigrated from Belfast, Northern Ireland in order to provide their children with a more secure future. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.  He graduated from Queen of Peace High School in 1945, where he played football and met his soulmate, Margaret Ross. After graduation, Eugene served our country with honor in the United States Army during World War II. In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart and together they started their family, raising them in North Arlington. He was a wonderful father who was very active in his children’s lives. While in North Arlington, he was the Little League Coach and Umpire. Most vacations were spent at Lake Hopatcong, camping or down the Jersey Shore with extended family. After relocating to Denville, Gene, an avid golfer, was an active member of the Peace Pipe Country Club.  Chic was a life-long fan of all his home teams – the Yankees, the Giants and the NY Rangers. After 25 years of hard work as an Accountant for Monsanto, Eugene established, owned and operated  “EP Russell Associates”,  a very successful computer business in Denville  from 1980 – 1992.

Eugene was an extremely talented artist, whose paintings have been treasured gifts to family and friends throughout the years.  He has passed on that lifelong passion for art to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He also instilled in them a love of learning, the value of education and an honest and dedicated work ethic.  Above anything else, Eugene treasured spending time with his family. His love was felt by all, and he will continue to live on in the hearts and souls of his family forever.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Marge (“Sis”), all eight of his siblings, and his loving daughter-in-law Suzanne; leaves joyful memories to his caring children, Eileen P. Rutzler and her husband James, Jr., Eugene P. Russell, Jr. and his wife Gail, Mary E. Kormash and her husband Michael, James P. Russell and his wife Gina, and Gerald J. Russell and Carol Burke;  his loving grandchildren, Cristin Gandy and her husband Mark, James Rutzler III and his wife Patricia, Ryan Russell, Brenton Russell and his wife Krista, Ash Russell, and Olivia Russell; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Caitlin Wynne and her husband Dylan, Broderick Rutzler, Morgan Gandy, Caileigh Gandy, River Rutzler, Matthew Gandy, and Rowan Rutzler.

Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 24th from 4 - 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 25th at 10 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Ave., Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Please leave a condolence and special memory for his family.