Russell L. Westfall Sr.

Russell, age 84, went on his eternal fishing trip with the Lord on June 13, 2026. Born to Florence and Russell Westfall in Akron Ohio. Russell was a Tallmadge High School graduate and enjoyed monthly luncheons reminiscing with old classmates. He was a Vietnam veteran in the U.S. Army. He took great pride in his country. Along with being a veteran, Russ was also a senior lead machinist for Parker Hannifin for over 30 years from which he retired. Many of his co-workers described him as the hardest working man they ever knew. Russell had many joys in life and made a friend everywhere he went. Two of his best that considered him family were Joe and Brandy Mayoras of Newton Falls who helped look after him in his older years. He was an avid outdoorsman who belonged to the Mountain Man’s club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. His weekends were spent on the boat with his son Rusty catching all different kinds of fish. He would make things out of skins, furs and antlers of what he caught inspired by Native Americans. Russ enjoyed beading and jewelry making. His winters were spent making beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets to gift to those he loved and people he met. Russell saw the beauty in most everything he came across. His love for collecting guns, knives, swords, family history, stones, fishing rods and tools was unmatched.

Russ, also known as Grandpa spent his last year of life in the care of the wonderful staff of Life Care Center of Medina. They were not just nurses, therapists, and CNAs, to him they became his second family; giving them a run for their money with his goofy sense of humor. He looked forward to his weekly visits with his daughter Melissa and the lemon drops she would bring. Grandpa loved all of his grandkids including his granddaughter Adrionna, who pushed him to his fullest potential just as he pushed her through the hardships of life. His face would light up a room when his “Little Nicky” and other great grandchildren came to visit.

He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Melissa (Perry) Sipe; son, Rusty Westfall; step daughters, Melissa Smith, Marsha (Dave) Smith, Alicia (Scott) Chrisman; grandchildren, Ashlee (Mike) Metko, Adrionna (Joel) Snook, Dustin (Nicole) Chrisman, Brett (Khrista) Chrisman and Terri (Ryan) Chrisman, Rickey Gilbert, Maegan Gilbert; along with 11 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, 131 N. Canton Rd. Military honors will take place at the conclusion of the visitation at 7 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the family, care of granddaughter Adrionna Grubb.

To share a memory of Russ or leave a special memory with his family, please visit with guest book below.