Richard W. Russell, Sr.

Richard W. Russell, Sr.                          “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

COUDERSPORT, PA---Richard W. “Dick” Russell, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly in his home with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Born on Tuesday, August 25, 1936 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of William H. and Dorothy White Russell. On August 18, 1956 in the Coudersport Free Methodist Church, he married Violet Wykoff, who survives.

Dick attended school in Inez and also attended Coudersport High School. He was employed as a mechanic for PennDOT for over 30 years. He had also in his younger years been employed as a milkman at Mason’s Creamery in Coudersport and also had been employed at the Damascus Tannery in Coudersport. He served on the Homer Cemetery Association board.

Dick was a member of AFSCME Council 13 where he had served as president. He was also a member of Arcana Lodge #580 F. & A.M. in Austin and was a member of the Coudersport Consistory. In his younger years, Dick enjoyed hunting. He loved mowing his lawn and taking bus trips with his wife. He enjoyed playing baseball and teaching his grandchildren the art of playing baseball.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years; four children, Nancy (Bud) Foust of Coudersport, Diana (Ted) Sevinsky, Dick (Marie) Russell, and Cheryl (Randy) Sickler, all of Coudersport; six grandchildren, Lynn (James) Mickle, Zach (Jen) Russell, Trevor Sickler, Miranda Sickler, Alia Russell, and Sadie Russell; a brother, Gary (Ella) Russell of Richmond Hill, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by two brothers, Dale “Bill” Russell and Gifford Russell; and a sister, Berdena Knickerbocker.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Park United Methodist Church, 15 East Third Street, Coudersport, where a celebration of life will follow at 1pm with the Rev. Gregory Rapp, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Homer Cemetery, Inez.

Members of Arcana Lodge #580 F. & A.M. will conduct a Masonic service at 12:45pm on Thursday in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, 1001 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915; to the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 651, Coudersport, PA 16915; to the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 161, Coudersport, PA 16915; or to the Austin Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.

Dick’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Dick, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.