Russell J. Brode, “Russ,” went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family on February 19, 2016. He was born April 11, 1935 in Ravenna where he lived his entire life. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph W. and Beulah A. (Sprotbery) Brode. He is survived by his bride of sixty years, Sandra (Winkler) Brode. He is also survived by their seven children: Kathleen (John) McHugh, David, Dennis, Robert (Liz), Russell, Kim Paull, and Linda (Robert) Corcoran; his sister Dolores (David) Middleton, twenty three grandchildren; twenty three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. The Rev. Deacon Russell Brode was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Youngstown on November 18, 1995. Since then he served as a Deacon for the Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna. Deacon Brode was an enthusiastic follower of Christ and shared his faith with many, including his active service in the prison ministry at Trumbull Correctional Institute. At Immaculate Conception Parish, he was a member of Young at Heart and member of the RCIA instructional team. He touched countless lives in each. Russ retired after 40 years of service to Ohio Bell and AT&T and then continued in his trade. His distinguished service also included time as a member of the Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department. Russ was a great patriot and proudly served the Naval Reserve Seabee Construction Force from 1951-1959. In addition to faith and family, Russ was dedicated to the youth of the Ravenna area. He was an integral founder of the Portage, Stark and Summit County youth wrestling program and coached CYO basketball, as well as Hot stove baseball. He also served as an OHSAA wrestling official. Finally, everyone who knew Russ enjoyed his warm heart, thoughtful stance on important issues, and unforgettable sense of humor. He was active in two different “world problem resolution” coffee clubs- in Ravenna, Ohio and also in Miramar Beach, Florida. He enjoyed regular winter travel with Sandy to locations in Florida. Through the years they were also blessed to travel to the Holy Land in Israel and to the Vatican where they had an audience with Pope John Paul II. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Robinson Hospice or the debt reduction fund at Immaculate Conception Parish. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Russ’s caregivers at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.
