RUSSELL, Michael E. born and educated in Hamilton, Ohio and a long-time resident of Harbor City and later Torrance California passed away March 20, 2015, following an extended battle with cancer. He was born on September 4, 1941, the son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Bruck) Russell, and was a 1959 graduate of Hamilton Catholic High School. "Mick" joined the Navy shortly after to attain the rank of Petty Officer Second Class while serving aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Springfield. Following his honorable discharge, he became a licensed electrician in and around Los Angeles as a member of IBEW Local 11/ NECA, Los Angeles. Retiring in 2003, he followed his passion for cross country skiing especially through Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. He also distinguished himself as a selfless volunteer at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Harbor City, California where he received recognition and awards for his service.

Michael is survived by his sisters, Barbara Hickey of Greenville, Ohio, Maureen (Art) Myers of Hamilton, Ohio, Judith Larson and Linda (Gregg) Stagg both of Fairfield Township, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Patrick in 2009, and his infant brother, Thomas, in 1949.

Michael will be missed by his sisters and many nieces and nephews all of whom enjoyed his company and dry sense of humor.

Prayers will be offered at 10:30 AM Tuesday (April 7) in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM Tuesday at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9-10:30AM Tuesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at: 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605 (www.lls.org) or, to St. Joseph Church, 171 Washington St., Hamilton, OH 45011. Online register book is available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com