Charles M. Russell

Charles “Chuck” Russell passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Pittsburgh on July 21, 1937, Chuck is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; his sons, Mike (Tami) and Pat (Kim); his grandchildren, Madison (Kayla), Shane, and Brooke; and his brother, Terry (Francine). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Bus” and Mary; his sisters, Joanne and Ella Mae “Sissy”; and his brother, James “Jimmy.” Chuck cherished time with family and friends, including his many nieces, nephews, and their children. Though his life began and ended in Pittsburgh, he and JoAnn also made homes in Mexico, Florida, and Venezuela, always returning to Pittsburgh as the place they called home. He spent his early years in East Liberty and Oakland, attending Sacred Heart, Central Catholic High School, and the University of Pittsburgh. A proud Pitt graduate, Chuck held a deep and lifelong loyalty to Pitt football and basketball—always cheering “Hail to Pitt,” no matter the season. He credited the Pitt School of Civil Engineering for the foundation of his long and successful career. Chuck began his professional journey with Columbia Gas—where he also met the love of his life, JoAnn. They were married on October 13, 1962, and shared more than 62 wonderful years together. He went on to hold several engineering positions throughout his career before finishing at Michael Baker International, where he worked until his retirement at age 75. To honor the role Pitt played in his life, he established the Charles M. Russell Scholarship Fund for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, ensuring future generations of engineers would have opportunities to succeed. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bock Funeral Home, Ltd. 1500 Mount Royal Blvd. Glenshaw. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish, St. Kilian Church, Mars PA on Thursday at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers or memorial trees, donations may be made to the Charles M. Russell Scholarship Fund at the University of Pittsburgh to the following link https://give.pitt.edu/campaigns/54273/donations/new and designate Charles M. Russell Scholarship Fund for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering or Mail a check to: University of Pittsburgh PO Box 640093 Pittsburgh PA 15264-0093