Obituary of Dr. Richard J. Russell

Dr. Richard J. “Ricky” Russell, 52, of La Crescenta, California, died on April 22, 2016 in California after suffering a stroke at his residence. Rick was born in Peabody, MA on February 15, 1964, the son of Richard and Rose T. (Pellizzaro) Russell. He was raised in Peabody where he graduated from Peabody Vets. Mem High School in 1982 and was captain of the Hockey team. Rick earned his bachelors and masters degrees in mechanical engineering from M.I.T. in Cambridge where he was also a member of the Number Six Club. Rick moved to California where he worked at TRW and led the research and design team that developed the first roller mite sensors for airbags which are still being used today. While attaining his doctorate from USC in Los Angeles, Rick met the his darling wife Linda (Moller) Russell. She jumped on the back of his motorcycle, they rode to Tahoe, and their love was sealed henceforth. They were married in 2000 and settled in La Crescenta, CA to raise their family. In his career, Rick was an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and innovator in an array of industries from solar energy, to agriculture, to 3D printing. An avid athlete, Rick was passionate about hockey throughout his life and founded the Beaver Cup tournament in Los Angeles. He was a snow boarder, a hiker, an inventor and a teacher. Rick was a selfless friend, a loving father, and an adoring husband. He had an incredible zest for life, bringing positive energy, excitement, and laughter to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Linda Russell and his children, Nicholas “Cole” Russell age 12 and Linnea Rose Russell, age 10, all of Crescenta, CA, his parents, Richard and Rose (Pellizzaro) Russell of Peabody, MA and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 9:30 until 10:30 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St. (Downtown) Peabody facility followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John’s Church at 10:45 AM. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery, Middleton. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas Tx. 75231 in his memory. For guestbook and directions, visit www.ccbfuneral.com