Russell Eugene Ilg August 16, 1961 - April 1, 2017 Russell graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1979. From there he went on to join the United States Marine Corps where he graduated from Parris Islandin 1983 as Honor Man meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Russell then attended the Marine Corps Engineering School graduating in 1985 as a Journeyman Electrician. The same year he was awarded Meritorious Mast for outstanding performance as an electrician. Russell, after being released, returned to the military service in the U.S. Naval Reserves, Seabee, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion. Russell spent thirty years in electrical, mechanical, maintenance, circuitry, troubleshooting, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems, installation, and oversight before he decided to finish college. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2015 with the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Organizational Supervision, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Technical Studies with the intention of continuing his education. Russell loved and valued his family and friends, animals especially his dogs, being outdoors, gardening, fishing, and health and fitness. His love of athletics followed him into his adult life and there was no physical challenge he wouldn't attempt. "Rusty" was a gifted athlete in many disciplines including baseball, wrestling, track and field, and football. An early accomplishment in a long list of achievements, include his contributions to his 1974 Tallmadge Little League Allstar Baseball team, that defied odds, and made it to The L.L. World Series in Williamsport, PA, and came in forth place. Russell is preceded in death by his daughter Brianna, father Russell, and stepfather Charlie Henault. He is survived by daughters Taylor, Ashley Ilg (Adam Reels) and grandchild Elijah, stepson Frank Simpkins, mother Kathleen Henault, sister Kathy Ilg (Thom Passarelli), stepmother Julia Ilg, brother John Ilg (Desserai), stepsisters Michelle Henault-Morrone (Chris Morrone), Cecile Gitter (Mike), stepbrother Leon Henault, many precious nieces and nephews, and dear friends Kim Walters-Hershey, Noelle Connell, Noel and Carol Walters. Thank you to the doctors, surgeons, nurses, and staff for their wonderful care and dignified treatment of Russell while at Wade Park VA, and to Fr. Maurice D'Souza for his words of encouragement, compassion, hope and counsel during Russell's illness. The memory of Russell's smile and his genuine warmth will bring us peace during this sad time. He is deeply loved and his presence profoundly missed by his friends and family and by every life he touched.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 8, at Hennessy Funeral Home, 552 N. Main St. (corner of York and Main), Akron.  Friends will be received one hour prior to the service from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.