Mr. Russell E. Fuller

Eulogy
April 7, 2010

Russell E. Fuller, better known as Earl to his immediate family or papa to us; was a kind, gentle and generous man. He loved being a husband,father and grandpa.
He was a man of very few words, but when he spoke; his dry sense of humor always had us laughing.
19 years ago we were blessed to have him join our family when he married my mom, Freda. He instantly took me as his second son without any

Eulogy
April 7, 2010

Russell E. Fuller, better known as Earl to his immediate family or papa to us; was a kind, gentle and generous man. He loved being a husband,father and grandpa.
He was a man of very few words, but when he spoke; his dry sense of humor always had us laughing.
19 years ago we were blessed to have him join our family when he married my mom, Freda. He instantly took me as his second son without any thought at all; he became the dad that I never had growing up. We bonded quickly, mostly over large decadent meals and a bottle of wine or a few beers on the patio during the summer season. Sometimes it was working on a house project together.
I am a chef by trade and he was my best critic, we were a match made in culinary heaven. The perfect culinary partners, I cooked, we ate. Ate so much that papa never knew when he was full. My favorite tale to tell is, after most meals he would rub in Santa belly and say, “I’m not eating a thing tomorrow” then I would say “O I made pie and a fresh pot of coffee” he quickly did a 180 with a big smile on his face and said “We have DESSERT! I can find room for some, just a small piece or two".
Papa joined our family and immediately took to the crazy family customs and food of this Polish clan.
He never heard of pierogies , cabbage and noodles and could never ever pronounce golumbki (stuffed cabbage) correctly, he would say goop-key, but he loved eating them all and the holiday traditions that surrounded the food.
It really is amazing how a family forms, we were not related by blood , but he was very much my family because we cared for each other, supported each other and he loved me, my mother and all of us unconditionally with all his heart.
He never had a bad word to say of anyone, pain or problems of the past remained in the past. He would say to me “I’m here today, I want to focus on this beautiful day, what happened yesterday doesn’t matter.”
Never once did this man forget a birthday, special occasion or anniversary. He made sure that he had a card, present, chocolate or flowers to honor the event.
Russell was moms dance partner at least 3 nights a week. Her travel companion for the many weekly one tank trips, and her explorer in the adventures of moving. From New York state to Pittsburg they finally settled down in a big beautiful two family century home in Old Brooklyn Ohio with us 14 years ago.
I promised to look after them as they got older and ailed. That day came too soon, it always comes too soon. For the past six years you have been taken away from our daily lives, it has been a very difficult road, living in limbo, you were alive but no longer with us. We have missed you so much.
I feel that now we can go through the final steps of grieving that we started when you first took ill that spring morning.
Mom has always prayed for you to be with the angels and not suffer, she couldn’t stand to see you in pain as you could not stand seeing her sad and sorrowful.
I know that you are now with those beautiful angels and looking down on us. Tables are turned and you will be looking out for your family again and helping us as we get older and start ailing.
Thank you for stumbling into town that December of '91 and becoming my papa, I will miss you so very much.
With all the love in my heart, thank you for being in our lives.
Come what may, until we meet again.

I'll always remember the Florida vacations and my visits with "Uncle Earl". These visits were few and far between. I was probably 12 years old and the whole family went to the Kapok Tree restaurant. Uncle Earl told me to order anything i wanted on the menu so I naturally I ordered a steak. (expensive at this restaurant for sure. ) Time went on and our reunion at Cedar Point in Sanusky Ohio was another great time. I'm sure

I'll always remember the Florida vacations and my visits with "Uncle Earl". These visits were few and far between. I was probably 12 years old and the whole family went to the Kapok Tree restaurant. Uncle Earl told me to order anything i wanted on the menu so I naturally I ordered a steak. (expensive at this restaurant for sure. ) Time went on and our reunion at Cedar Point in Sanusky Ohio was another great time. I'm sure he was almost 80 but still went on the raging water rapid ride with us. It was so funny to see him get drenched to the bone and dumping the water out of his shoes after the ride. My father (his brother) were laughing like two ten year old brothers. It was good to see them have so much fun. My son Jonathan admired his style and class. Those two hung around and bonded instantly. These are just a few of the fond memories I have to share. I'll miss him.

To all Russell's family:

I remember this kind man so very well from 1950 when he was a very young man with a new baby boy and a very sick young wife who was my sister Betty. Earl, as we knew him then, was unemployed at the time, but still found the where-with-all to allow her to come to Phoenix to be with my grandmother, aunt, and myself to be in a warm climate with their beautiful new baby.

When Betty died

To all Russell's family:

I remember this kind man so very well from 1950 when he was a very young man with a new baby boy and a very sick young wife who was my sister Betty. Earl, as we knew him then, was unemployed at the time, but still found the where-with-all to allow her to come to Phoenix to be with my grandmother, aunt, and myself to be in a warm climate with their beautiful new baby.

When Betty died 7 months later, Earl arrived (some time before she passed) and gathered up little Danny to try and start over again. He at no time was anything but a kind and loving man to my sister and to their baby.

It broke all our hearts to see him get on that plane with his little baby, but we knew life has to go on. And what a fine job he did raising that dan.

I will always remember him with love.

My sympathies for all his loving family.

Lee and Fay Bartelson and cousins Paul, Sharon,Susan, and Cindy

For me, your life (and probably mine) centers on one date & event: July 15, 1950. I can only imagine how you felt that day. You were 23 years old; your wife had just died; and you had a 7 month old son. You easily could have bailed on me. However, you joined the navy (again) and made it your mission to find me a mother--a task that you completed within 7 months. You married for love--not your love for

For me, your life (and probably mine) centers on one date & event: July 15, 1950. I can only imagine how you felt that day. You were 23 years old; your wife had just died; and you had a 7 month old son. You easily could have bailed on me. However, you joined the navy (again) and made it your mission to find me a mother--a task that you completed within 7 months. You married for love--not your love for the person you married but for your love for me, your son. Whatever disagreements or problems or whatever you and I had are all erased by the knowledge that after my mother's death my well being was your main concern. In many respects, I feel that I did not completely and fully know you. However, in other ways, I feel that all I have to do is to look in the mirror or say something and you are there. You are in my face; you are in my voice; you are in my actions--you are me, and I am you. I am the person I am because you were my dad. You taught me in so many unspoken ways.

My own father died shortly before my 21st birthday so Russ has actually been the only father I've had for the last 40 years. He was a sweet and gentle man. He didn't say a lot but you could tell that what he was thinking were kind thoughts. I have lots of good memories of him but the one that keeps drifting to the surface for me is one that no one else but me could have. During the 70's

My own father died shortly before my 21st birthday so Russ has actually been the only father I've had for the last 40 years. He was a sweet and gentle man. He didn't say a lot but you could tell that what he was thinking were kind thoughts. I have lots of good memories of him but the one that keeps drifting to the surface for me is one that no one else but me could have. During the 70's I worked at Prudential's South Central Home Office in Jacksonville, Florida and for awhile, Dad was one of the security guards there--no small job considering that it was a 20 story building. One day, as I was eating lunch in the cafeteria with a group of co-workers, Dad and another guard came running through the room. Dad saw me and said, "The building is on fire," and kept on running. Seconds later an intercom announcement ordered us all to evacuate because there was indeed a major fire on the second floor. It's odd that this is what I remember so well but I think it's because 1) Dad looked so important and efficient and in control racing through the cafeteria to see to the emergency and 2) because it made me feel special that he paused to tell me about it. It was a little like I had my own personal angel watching out for me.
In a way it feels the real Russ left us several years ago and while I am sad he is really gone now I know that in actuality he is now closer to us than he ever was before. He is now both within our hearts and all around us--being our own personal angel. He lives on in my wonderful husband, in my three incredible children and in my precious granddaughter, Caroline. You need only to look upon any of them to still see Russ and his goodness. On a lighter note, as anyone who knows them realizes, Fuller men pass almost unchanged from generation to generation--and this is not a bad thing. Bye Dad. I love you. Diane

Dear Freda, Michael & Doug,
My heart goes out to each of you.
I will pray my deepest prayers for you.
I send you loving-kindness and a wish
that you will find comfort in each other, your family,
friends and the beautiful memories of life with
Russell.
Peace,
Valerie

Grampy,

I remember… when I was about 11 years old, you took me along with you on volunteer trips to a group home for people with disabilities. I was so afraid the first time but you helped me to feel comfortable and useful. It was wonderful to see how good you were to the residents we visited and how happy they were to see you. Thank you for teaching me the value of kindness and service to others. It’s a lesson

Grampy,

I remember… when I was about 11 years old, you took me along with you on volunteer trips to a group home for people with disabilities. I was so afraid the first time but you helped me to feel comfortable and useful. It was wonderful to see how good you were to the residents we visited and how happy they were to see you. Thank you for teaching me the value of kindness and service to others. It’s a lesson I hope to carry with me and use for the rest of my life.

I love you and I’ll miss you.

~Shannon

Freda, Michael, Doug and family.

I thought a lot about what to say and there are just no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Russell was a good man and took good care of Freda. He was funloving and loved his family very much. My prayers go up to heaven for you to comfort your pain.

With Love
Gary and Mary Beth Bowman

Papa,
I will miss you so very much. The day you married mom you became my dad.
I enjoyed every moment that we shared, especially our dinners. There was never a time that you were to full for dessert. Almost after every meal you would say, "Im not eating anything at all tomorrow" until I said "I made dessert" and your reply, "we have dessert, I guess I can find room".
A beer or glass of wine and the news paper was

Papa,
I will miss you so very much. The day you married mom you became my dad.
I enjoyed every moment that we shared, especially our dinners. There was never a time that you were to full for dessert. Almost after every meal you would say, "Im not eating anything at all tomorrow" until I said "I made dessert" and your reply, "we have dessert, I guess I can find room".
A beer or glass of wine and the news paper was you favorite way to relax either in the back yard or the living room, you and I enjoyed many of those relaxing moments together.
The past six years have been difficult for all of us, I know you are now in a place where you can look out for us. You were our protector, and now you can take on that roll once again.
Dont worry I'll take care of mom and make sure she is ok with your help from up above.

I love you with all my heart papa,
Michael

Dear Frida, Michael and Family,

My heart goes out to all of you at this very difficult time. I know how hard the past few months have been with Russell's illness. Just know Michael and Frida you both were there for him when he needed his loved ones around. You carried the torch for the family. He will never forget the love, care and concern you showed for him in these final days.

Just a quick story: I remember Russell at our

Dear Frida, Michael and Family,

My heart goes out to all of you at this very difficult time. I know how hard the past few months have been with Russell's illness. Just know Michael and Frida you both were there for him when he needed his loved ones around. You carried the torch for the family. He will never forget the love, care and concern you showed for him in these final days.

Just a quick story: I remember Russell at our school buffets with his tall, lanky and lean self walking up to the buffet line and smiling at all of our school children. He was always so kind to everyone! Also, I can picture him teaching our students how to make pierogi's, he took such joy in it. He was and will always be a good man in my heart.

Michael and Frida, If you need anything please let me know. May God bless you!

Love,
Renee