Russell Johnson 1946 - 2008

Russell J. Johnson, 61, of Easton, Pa, formerly of Phillipsburg, NJ, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest Blvd., after a suffering a sudden inter-cranial hemorrhage on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at his home. Born: On October 29, 1946, in Phillipsburg, he was a son of the late Russell "Duke" and Elsie Ignatz Johnson. Personal: He and his beloved wife, Karen, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last July 3rd. Russell retired form Thomas & Betts Elastimold Division, Hackettstown, NJ, in July of 2007, where he had been a purchasing manager for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, he was purchasing manager at Knoll International, East Greenville, Pa. Russell served in Viet Nam from 1968-69 with the Army's 101st Airborne Division. He graduated from Phillipsburg High School, and Magna*censored*Laude from John F. Kennedy University in Wahoo, Nebraska. He had earned credits towards his Masters Degree in Business from Rider College. He was a friend of the Williams Center at Lafayette College and was a member of the Friends of the State Theatre. He loved reading, going to Phillies and Iron Pigs games, riding his bike, hiking, sitting by his pond, laughing with friends, listening to music, and sipping some wine. He was a trusted advisor on many topics to his friends and family and will be sadly missed. Survivors: In addition to his wife Karen, he is survived by a son, Christopher and his wife Michelle of Los Angeles; a granddaughter, Rya; sisters, Margaret Bruns and her husband John of Phillipsburg, Joan Shafer and her husband Garry of Stroudsburg, Pa, and Kay Lennon and her husband Jimmy of Easton, nieces and nephews, and their spouses and children. Services: The funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman Street, Phillipsburg. Calling hours will be held Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. An additional calling hour will be held Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be private. Memorials: Contributions may be considered to ProJeCt of Easton, 320 Ferry Street, Easton, PA 18042; or Safe Harbor, 536 Bushkill Street, Easton, PA 18042.