Peter Russell

Peter V. Russell, 77, of Pleasant Ridge, died Sunday, December 5, 2010 with his family by his side. Peter was born October 19, 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was a graduate of The University of Detroit High School. He received his bachelor's degree in 1956 and master's degree in 1962 both from the University of Detroit. After graduation from college he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. From there he taught and coached at both Troy and Oak Park High Schools. He worked for General Motors in the Chevrolet division from 1962 until his retirement in 1987 in both the engineering and manufacturing departments. He was the Chief Coordinator of Chevrolet Manufacturing Forum for ten years. Following his retirement, he returned to teaching at Orchard Lake St. Mary High School for several years. He taught Economics, Latin and History. Peter was active in the community of Pleasant Ridge, where he was a Chair and Member of the Recreation and Bicentennial Commissions. He was also active in his church, St. Mary's in Royal Oak. He had a love of his children and his country. Peter is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mona; his children, Catherine Russell, Elizabeth and Larry LeBlanc, Julia Robertson, Martha Mitchell, Veronica and Robert Belf, Jr., Joanna Smith; and eleven grandchildren, Parker, Taylor and Cole Turczyn, Madeline LeBlanc, Emma Robertson, Evan and Jane Mitchell, Rachel and Robert Belf III, Casey and Sydney Smith. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Barry McDonough, of Needham, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Vincent P. Russell of Pleasant Ridge. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, December 13th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 730 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Viewing will be Sunday, December 12th from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a brief service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary's Church for the Homeless Shelter, 730 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.