Joseph Russell, Sr.

Joseph Frank Russell, Sr. was born in Louisville, KY on February 21, 1931 to Frank J. and Loretto Metcalfe Russell and passed on September 14, 2022. He was one of nine children and lived in the Irish Hill neighborhood during the Great Depression. He attended St. Aloysius (Payne Street) and St. Elizabeth's Catholic Schools and Flaget and Manual High Schools.

Like all his brothers, Joe served in the US military. Enlisting as a helicopter mechanic in the US Army during the Korean conflict, Joe completed basic training in Virginia and advanced aircraft training in Texas. He was stationed in Tacoma, Washington for the last 18 months of his service. After leaving the Army, Joe made a career in the grocery business. He started with the Steiden Stores in Louisville, until they were purchased by Winn-Dixie Stores. He then advanced to work as a buyer in the local administrative office of Winn-Dixie until his retirement in 1993.

During his teenage years, Joe was employed as a summer groundskeeper at Cave Hill Cemetery. He first met his second wife, Kay, during this period. He married Mary Francis Yurt on February 19, 1951. They had one child together. Joe and Kay were reunited in 1982 and were married on August 24, 1984. He enjoyed ice cream in every flavor, golf matches and lunches, U of L athletics, and spending time with family and friends. He was a devoted member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings James Francis Russell, William Michael Russell, Genevieve Russell Sawdey, Robert Evans Russell, Donald Raymond Russell, and Norma Russell Ragsdale.

Joe is survived by his wife of 38 years Katherine (Kay) Russell, son Joseph F Russell, Jr. (Rebecca), step-daughters Judy Staten (Mike) and Vicki Morris (Randy). Granddaughters Elizabeth Russell (Richard Sandford), Whitney Martin (Craig), Lauren Staten (Wendy Jean), and Ashley Beougher (Jon). Great-grandchildren Owen Sandford, Evan Sandford, Carly Martin, Finley Martin, Brandon Beougher, and Abigail Beougher, and his best friend Phil Parsons (Gayle). Surviving siblings are Rita Russell Grinstead, and Thomas L. Russell, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, September 19, from 4 to 8 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Dr.) Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 20, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church (7813 Shelbyville Rd) at 1 pm, with entombment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kentucky Right to Life.