Leroy Russell

Leroy E. Russell, age 95, of Villa on the Lake in Conneaut, OH, formerly of Fairview, completed his long life journey on Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at UH Conneaut Medical Center. Born June 3, 1917, in Dawson, PA, he was a son of the late Robert and Roseann Wingrove Russell. Leroy served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. As a corporal he fought with the 415 Bombardment Squadron, the 48 Bombardment Group and was tail gunner on a B-17. He served in battles and campaigns in North Africa, Europe, Normandy and Northern and Southern France. He earned the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 11 Bronze Stars. Leroy retired after 20 years with the Pennsylvania Turnpike maintenance department. He was a past member of American Legion Post 742 of Fairview and the National VFW. Leroy played baseball as a young man and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He had been a Steelers fan since they were known as the Pirates in the 1940's. Leroy enjoyed music, playing the keyboard and loved "Hyde", his adopted dog.

Leroy was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Smouse Russell, his second wife, Helen Breegle Russell, a stepson, Leo, a grandson-in-law, Tony Ehrismann, and 17 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter: Bonnie Blare and her husband Gary Krone of Fairview; three stepdaughters: Betty Jo, Jackie and Janet; two grandchildren: Jennifer Ehrismann of Palm Coast, FL, and John Blare of Conneaut, OH; one great granddaughter, Cassandra Ehrismann; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Tyrone Presbyterian Church, 402 Jimtown Road, Dawson, PA, on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Robert Prinkey officiating. Burial will follow at Green Ridge Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard, PA 16417. Condolences may be sent at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.