Ronald David Russell

Ronald David Russell, 68, of Parkesburg, PA passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. He was the beloved husband of Ellen I. Carnwath Russell, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late David C. Russell and Helen Makoid Russell.

Ron grew up in Philadelphia and was a 1972 graduate of Northeast High School. He continued his education graduating from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in 1977.

He was a master carpenter, builder, general contractor and was self-employed, running Chestnut Hill Carpentry for many years.

Ron loved music. He wanted very much to play the guitar at the age of seven, but walked out of the music store with an accordion. He grew quite adept at the accordion and started playing in a band of young boys at the age of thirteen, playing at parties and weddings all around the Philadelphia area. When his dream of playing the guitar came true, the band had grown into young men and they called themselves The Young Ideas. Ron switched over to keyboards and bass as the band grew more popular. The Jersey Shore was the best spot to catch The Young Ideas. His stint with the band ended when he decided he wanted to become a chef in his late twenties.

Following his desire to share his love of food with others, Ron attended and graduated from The Restaurant School in Philadelphia. He became a sous chef and later the head chef at three different restaurants in the Philadelphia and Chester County areas. After four years in the restaurant business, Ron decided he wasn’t suited for the restaurant lifestyle and headed toward the construction world, never leaving behind his love of food and food preparation. He shared his cheffing skills with family and friends for the rest of his life. Every meal for Ron and those he shared it with was an experience in and of itself.

Starting with deck building and moving on to garden structures, additions, carriage houses, kitchens, baths, and cabinetry, Ron built his carpentry business on hard work, perfectionism, honesty and reliability. Many customers became friends and valued Ron’s high standards for building. He continued to hone his craft for over thirty years.

Music continued to be a big part of Ron’s life and guitars were at the top of his list of interests. He bought and sold guitars and made sure to play every day to improve his skills and for his own enjoyment. In his forties and fifties, Ron got back into the band scene playing mainly bass, both upright and electric, in a bluegrass band. For his own enjoyment, Ron also learned how to play the mandolin and banjo. When complications

from diabetes took away Ron’s ability to play instruments, he listened to and shared his love of music with family and friends regularly.

The last skill that Ron embarked upon was wood turning. When mobility became a serious issue, Ron got to work on something he could create sitting down and still using wood as his medium. He created beautiful candle stick holders, bowls, and goblets from both common and rare woods. The beauty of these creations will be enjoyed by family and friends forever.

Above all, Ron’s finest ability was that of engaging in meaningful conversation on almost any topic. He loved to learn and share what he has learned through the years. He had a quiet, intellectual sense of humor, and poked fun at himself with regularity. His use of the English language sent his family into fits of laughter.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by two daughters; Carly Beth Russell of Washington, DC and Madeline Elyse Tawiah of Oxford. Ron’s love for his daughters was evident to all. From day one to the last day of his life, Ron adored his girls, showering them with kindness, praise, his time and efforts, and a love everlasting. Nothing was more important to Ron than his wife and daughters.

Madeline’s husband, Samuel Tawiah, became a son to Ron and they shared a very special relationship. Ron also had the deepest respect and love for his brother, Randall Russell. Randall resides in Lewes, Delaware.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolence can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com