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John D. Russell, 62, of Flinton, formerly of Altoona, passed away Tuesday at UPMC Altoona after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Paul R. Sr. and Lois J. (McGeary) Russell.
John was twice married; first on July 14, 1986, to Mindy R. Black, who preceded him in death March 10, 2013. John then married Susan Denny on Feb. 2, 2022.
Surviving are his loving wife, Sue; his son, Aaron M. Russell (Emily) of Philadelphia; and daughter, Natalie R. Russell of Altoona; two stepdaughters, Shannon Peacock of Ebensburg and Carolyn Burton in Idaho; five grandchildren: Cooper, Maxwell, Daniel, Bowman and Ava; his brother and sisters: Paul R. Russell Jr., Dianne L. Zientz and Donna J. Russell, all of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Deborah Ann Russell of Altoona.
John was preceded in death by his first wife, Mindy; his parents; an infant son, Johnathon; and his sister, Kathy Russell.
He was a 1981 graduate of Altoona Area High School and was previously the owner and operator of Russell Tire Co.
John enjoyed going to the beach, participating in the go-cart circuit with his son, Aaron, and riding his bike.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home Inc., 2309 Broad Ave., Altoona.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the funeral home, with Pastor Douglas McGaffin.
Interment will be held at Alto-Reste Park.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.