Obituary of Gerald Russell , 97

Colonel Gerald Russell passed away at Mount Nittany Medical Center on February 24, 2014 . He was 97 years old. The Colonel was a true American Hero who devoted his life to his family, his country and to his community.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was one of five sons and one daughter of the late Ellen and Thomas Russell. His sister Eileen survives in Massachusetts.

Those who knew the Colonel describe a man of great kindness and of devotion to his family, his country and to God. He was humble in his success, while genuine in his desire to help others be their best. His sense of humor, his leadership and his eagerness to make a difference impacted people all over the world but most importantly his family. A relationship he developed with a Korean officer he met while serving his country became a lifelong friendship; when that Korean officer, General Kim, became Secretary of Defense for Korea, he called on the Colonel to make a major address in Seoul on the anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The Colonel was in his 80s at the time. Throughout his life, Colonel Russell led by example and encouraged others to do the right thing. He was a voracious reader and expert carpenter, building furniture and book cases in many of the homes where they lived. In their later years, the Colonel and Eileen enjoyed travel and entertaining friends and family with “cocktail hour” as an evening ritual. After Eileen’s death, the Colonel continued to impress his guests with his own cooking skills until he moved to Brookline Retirement community in 2007.

On his visit back to Iwo Jima at age 89, he shared with his family his sadness that so many had lost their lives. An American patriot who met with Presidents, presented before Congress, led troops into battle and who remained vibrant and vital into his 10th decade, Colonel Gerald Russell stated he hoped that he would be remembered for the impact that his life had on others and that he made a difference.

Friends will be received at the Koch Funeral Home in State College, PA on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic church on Westerly Parkway in State College.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania by visiting the website at www.specialolympicspa.org or State College Office Special Olympics Pennsylvania, PO Box 1017, Lemont, PA 16851.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.