John Allen "Al" Russell's Obituary
John Allen “Al” Russell passed away peacefully on Monday, August 27, 2018, after a valiant battle with numerous health issues. Al was a very tenacious, dedicated individual, yet kind of heart and will be truly missed.Al was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the family soon moved to San Mateo when he was three months old. He graduated from San Mateo High School in 1955. Al enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves during his senior year of high school. He attended San Jose State College, was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, graduating in 1959, with a degree in political science. After college, he went on active duty in the Marine Corps, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, promoted to First Lieutenant in 1961, then to Captain in 1964. Al left active duty, returning to the Reserves and was Honorably Discharged in July 1971.Al was a realtor, broker and leader in the industry, serving as President of the Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont Board of Realtors in 1981. He retired after 55 years of service.Al was a lifelong member of the Lions Club International, joining the Burlingame Lions in 1964. He was a Past President of that club, as well as the San Carlos club. Al was honored to serve as the District Governor of District 4-C-4, in 2006-2007, and remained active as a Past DG. His love for the Lions Club International was the highlight of his life, as serving others was his personal mantra.Al is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Loretta; his brother Richard (Bonnie), nephew Greg, great niece Sage, great nephew Hayden; his Children Kenneth Mosley (Fern), Kevin Mosley (Laura) and Kimberly Mosley; his Grandchildren Megan Wagner (Justin), Nicole Hensley (Jason), Alison Smith (JD), Jessica Wood, Mitchell Mosley, Shane Mosley and Devin Mosley; his Great Grandchildren Katherine, Camryn, Nathan, Peyton, Jacob and Jackson.Al will be missed by his many friends and associates. Those who knew him will remember him as someone with endless energy, a devotion to service, patriotism, love of country and his jovial sense of humor.Services will be held at Skylawn, Highway 92 at Skyline Blvd., San Mateo, Sunday, September 2nd, at 10 am.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made in Al’s name to the:San Carlos Lions Club, PO Box 94, San Carlos, CA 94070.
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