Harold E. Russell

Harold E. Russell, 95, of New Philadelphia and Key West, Florida, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 in Hennis Care & Retirement Centre at Dover following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Alva and Carrie Russell, Harold was born in his childhood home at New Philadelphia on March 16, 1917.

Harold graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1935. He then enlisted with the United States Air Force and served as a bomber pilot during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from active duty service, he continued as a pilot with the Air Force reserves for the next 20 years.

He was a longtime employee of the Timken Company at New Philadelphia retiring as the maintenance supervisor.

For more than 30 years, Harold resided in Key West, Florida; a place he had great passion for. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed scuba diving, fishing and traveling along with his wife, Marjorie.

Harold attended the Church of Christ at both New Philadelphia and Key West. He was also an active member of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center.

He is survived by his son, Greg Russell of Dover; a grandson, Matt (Nadine) Russell of Brightwood; two great grandchildren, Cooper and Kailey Russell and a sister, Eleanor Adams of Delta, Colorado.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie D. (Fairall) Russell who passed away on July 2, 1998; a sister, Helen Sparr and two brothers, Robert and Thomas Russell.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service celebrating Harold’s life will be held on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the Geib Center with Minister Tim Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors.

Contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1815 West Market Street, Suite 301, Akron, OH 44313 or to the Church of Christ, 749 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.