John Sterling Russell entered into eternal rest on July 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on March 7, 1943, in Stamford, Connecticut, to Ben and Alma Russell. He grew up alongside his siblings, Milton, Bill, Evelyn, and Sylvia, and carried their shared memories with him throughout his life.

John graduated from Stamford High School and continued his education at Harvard Night School. A lifelong learner, he pursued studies in Asian culture, the Japanese language, and photography. John honorably served his country as a combat Marine during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1966, a time that shaped his resilience and deepened his gratitude for life’s blessings.

In his early years, John lived in Connecticut and Massachusetts and later dedicated much of his career to Delta Airlines, where he served in various roles, including as a programmer, I.T. specialist, and manager. His work took him from Boston to Georgia, but it was in Georgia where he would find his greatest joy—meeting the love of his life, Heather Croft, at church. United in faith and love, John and Heather married on November 18, 1989, and shared 35 beautiful years together.

A man of many talents and passions, John embraced life fully. He was an experienced beekeeper, a skilled sailor, and a craftsman who found joy in gardening, woodturning, and cooking. He loved history and British and American literature and had a tender devotion to his beloved border collies, Ian and Max. John served faithfully as an adult Sunday school teacher and as a trained Stephen Minister, offering encouragement and care to those in need. He also cherished his other roles as “Dad” and “Grandpa John.”

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Alma Russell, and his siblings: Milton, Bill, and Evelyn Russell.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Heather Russell of Tyrone, GA; his children: Emily (Jaimal) Fecteau of Mooresville, NC, and Matthew Russell of Boston, MA; and his grandchildren: David, Valerie, Dylan, Lily, and Mason. He is also survived by his sister, Sylvia Wahl of Murfreesboro, TN; his sister-in-law, Susan Croft of Riverdale, GA; and his honorary daughters: Jan Elaine Eller, Renae Zoltun Chontos, Tammy Zoltun Claus, and Laura McDonald, along with many nieces and nephews: Nathan Wahl (Lisa Gordon), Dan (Chris) Wahl, Sarah (Gary) Temple, Debbie (John) Wahl-Davis, Russell Wahl, Joel Wahl, the late Julie Wahl, Sue Rowland (Mark Flynn), Bob (Diana) Russell, Laurel (William) Shaver, Todd Russell, Steve (Patti) Russell, Eddie (Cat) Russell, Linda (Dave) Hawkins, and dear friends.

John will be remembered as a true Renaissance man—intellectually curious, faithful, and compassionate. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering love.

John’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, 2165 Highway 138 SW, Riverdale, GA 30296. The family will receive visitors before the service, and a luncheon at the church will follow the service.

John loved listening to classical music from WGBH in Boston and watching shows such as The New Yankee Workshop, Finding Your Roots, Masterpiece Theatre, Antiques Road Show, Travels with Rick Steves, This Old House, and the Ken Burns documentaries. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following would be appreciated:

WGBH Educational Foundation at GBH c/o Membership, One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135 or at https://donate.wgbh.org/wgbh/donate; Georgia Public Broadcasting at Georgia Public Broadcasting, 260 14th Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318 or www.gpb.org, or Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church.

The Russell family was assisted by Georgia Cremation-Fayetteville. 1086 Highway 54 W. Fayetteville, GA 30214, (770)756-8702