Paul Russell

Paul James Russell, born on the 22nd of March 1954 in Rockford, IL, was a man who never met a stranger, nor a conversation he didn't enjoy. Paul's charismatic personality made him a natural at his job in inside sales for a manufacturing company. But more than his work, Paul reveled in the joy of his hobbies and the love of his family. From coaching his kids in various sports during their younger years to his passion for fantasy football, Paul lived life with gusto and had a laugh that could light up a room. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation," and Paul embodied this in every way, turning his love for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears, and Pink Floyd into a lifelong party.

Paul, a compassionate and loving man, was known to always have a seat at Crazy Times, where he was as much a part of the furniture as the bar stools. He was a true family man, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. He and his beloved wife, Mary Ann Russell, married on the 21st of September 1985 and together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and many weekends of vacationing. Paul's humor and warmth will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on through the countless memories he made with his family and friends.

Paul leaves behind his devoted wife, Mary Ann; his sons, Adam (Becky) Vaiden, Collin (Jessica) Russell, and Jon Vaiden; his daughter, Morganne (Shawn) Krizan; his grandchildren, Araya, Darian (Austin), Maggie, Jocelyn, Harper, Dawson, Jack, River, and Quinn; his brothers, Jim (Jackie) and Matthew (Dana) Russell; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Donna Russell. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Paul's infectious spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We encourage all who knew Paul to share memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Let us celebrate the life of a man who brought so much joy, love, and laughter to those around him. Whether known as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, or friend, Paul Russell was truly one of a kind.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Paul on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Venetian Club, 2180 Elmwood Rd, Rockford, IL. Cremation Rites to be Accorded.