Russell Bruce Cherry, our dear Russ, died on September 28, 2025. No mere obituary can present a fair picture of a person, and that’s certainly true of Russ. From a hardscrabble, odds-against-you youth, Russ fashioned a wonderful life for himself and enhanced the lives of those fortunate enough to be his family and friends. His hearty laugh and mischievous love of poking the bear was coupled with an excellent sense of humor and a big heart. Beneath a bit of a tough guy facade, the man was a total pussycat, an incredibly caring husband for 45 years to the love of his life, Julie, his daughter, Jennifer, his son-in-law, Aaron, his four granddaughters, Madison, Annabel, Emmalyn, and Charlotte, and his son, Josh, who is sorely missed. The others to be lucky enough to be central in Russ’s life were his in-laws Mel and Hella, Roger and Celeste, Tara and Devin, Eliza, Max and Reed, Ken and Betsey, Jessie, Pete, Dylan and Lucy, Abby, Laura and Santi, and Trevor and Alix.
A person’s biography is interesting, although it can never fully tell the tale. Russ was born in Lansing, MI on December 14, 1944, the oldest of five brothers. He was raised in Simi Valley, CA, then joined the Navy in 1964 as a radioman. After his discharge, he moved to San Francisco, where he met Julie on July 4, 1976. They than began a series of moves over the years, that included stays in Ashland, MA, Flower Mound, TX, Milpitas, CA (where they settled in for 22 years), Placerville, CA, Tacoma, WA, and finally Belton, TX. Those moves were family and job related as Russ was a copy company repairman, a firefighter, and a paramedic. He was also an active Kiwanis Club and VFW member while in Milpitas.
So, those are the details of a life well-lived. Russ will be sorely missed and will live on in the memories and hearts of the many people who loved him dearly.
In lieu of flowers (or cherries), please consider a donation to Hoofbeats For Heroes: http://www.
