Edward Alden Russell

Edward Alden Russell, 90, passed peacefully on April 6, 2023. Ed was preceded in death by his late wife, Helen Loucille Niemann and stepson Michael Fenwick. He is survived by his wife Maureen Harrison-Russell; sons Michael Russell of Akron and Mark Russell of Pompano Beach, FL; stepchildren Laurie Mellion, Kevin Fenwick, Tim (Linda) Fenwick; grandchildren Mark (Amber) Mellion, Dr. Kate Mellion, Ryan (Ryan Marie) Mellion, Erin Fenwick, Kelly Fenwick, and Scott Fenwick; 4 great grandchildren; cousin Richard (Sharon) Darmstadt and numerous other cousins and friends.

Born in Akron in 1933 to Bruce Russell and Maxine Spurgeon, and raised by Maxine and Mike Fair, Ed graduated from West High School in 1950, and from The University of Akron in 1956. He was a campus leader, served as president of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and was named Cadet Colonel of the United States Air Force ROTC.  After graduation, Ed served three years in the United States Air Force as a radar controller. He returned to Akron in 1959 and launched a successful career in sales, spending four years with B.F. Goodrich and over twenty-one years with Schrader Automotive where he advanced to National Sales Manager. In 1985, Ed purchased Haltec Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty valves and accessories. His legacy lives on there, having built the company into an internationally respected manufacturer and distributor.

Ed enjoyed a good meal out, a nice glass of wine, and, on occasion, a place with a nice live band. He loved treating friends and family to new experiences or good food. Ed was fortunate to travel widely, both for business and pleasure, with trips to Europe, Australia, China and throughout the US. His love of golf was well known. He was a longtime member at Sharon Golf Club and was a fixture at Silver Lake Country Club where he was a member and past president. Ed was an avid University of Akron sports fan, regularly attending football and basketball games as a member of the Zips Athletic Club, and the Varsity A Association. He served on the Alumni Board, acting as its president from 1988 to 1989. Active in the Akron community as well, Ed served on the board of the Akron Art Museum, was a member of Gyros, and supported many other local institutions.

Ed married his late wife Lucy in 1961 and was a loving father to their two sons Mike and Mark. Ed married his current wife Maureen in 2005 and became a beloved member of her extended family. He was proud to be called “Grandpa Ed” and found immense joy in time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday April 13,  at Hennessy Funeral Home (corner of York and Main), 552 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310. Funeral Service will take place at Hennessy Funeral Home on Friday at 11:00 am followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Akron Athletic Department or Summa Health Hospice Center.

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