Earl K. Russell passed from this life on June 12, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Rochester, New York, Earl was born to the late Elda (Harris) Russell and John T. Russell Sr. on February 4, 1941. In addition to his parents, Earl was predeceased by his brother, John T. Russell, Jr. and other relatives.
Earl graduated from John Marshall High School in June 1959, and married the love of his life Patricia A. Welk on December 5, 1959. Earl was a skilled carpenter and a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 85. He built his family’s home in Henrietta and worked on other houses in the neighborhood. In addition, Earl had a lengthy career in carpentry and construction. He worked for several local companies including Davis-Fetch, Caldwell & Cook, Joyce Construction, Chase-Pitkin Builders, and Wegmans. In his later years, he worked at The Sports Look and Home Depot in Henrietta.
An avid Buffalo Bills fan, Earl loved McDonalds, Mickey Mouse, country music, wolves, collecting pins, repurposing items, and constructing one-of-a-kind sports displays. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and had an adult paper route in his neighborhood. Earl’s greatest passion was collecting scrap metal. He went “junking” several times a week, and was a regular scrapper at Lyell Metal – later known as Metalico – for many years. He was well known in the community and was often contacted by neighbors and friends who had scrap for him.
Earl is survived by his wife of 63 years Patricia Russell, daughter Kathryn Russell, son Timothy Russell, daughter-in-love Mary Faro, sister-in-law Linda Russell, nieces Kim and Lori, other relatives, and dog Jack. Waiting to welcome Earl to his Heavenly Home were his beloved dogs Scottie, Candy, Coby, and Chessie, and his African Grey parrot Smokey.
Per Earl’s wishes, there will not be any calling hours or services. The family would like to thank the UR Home Care Hospice Team for their compassionate care during Earl’s final months, especially social worker Joann Bengston, nurse case manager Heather Menchel, and nurse Salena Nguyen.