David Mitchell Russell

David Mitchell Russell, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 20, 2026.

Born April 16, 1940, in Maryville, Tennessee, David was raised on a dairy farm with his loving sister, Patricia Anne, before heading out into the world with curiosity, creativity, and a suitcase that rarely stayed unpacked for long. His travels took him through the Air Force, Hollywood, Salina, Kansas, and ultimately to Pittsburgh, where he found a home onstage, behind the scenes at WQED on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and in the community theater he loved at Jennerstown Mountain Inn Playhouse.

Known proudly as a jack of all trades, David collected beer cans, buttons, lunch boxes, turtles, and stories—often found at flea markets and yard sales, which he never passed up. His lifelong motto was, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” and he lived it daily.

In midlife, Dave returned to school at the University of Pittsburgh, earning degrees in family counseling and education, later co-authoring Second Step, a book on spousal abuse prevention. A licensed auctioneer, political artist, and button-maker, he became well known in collector circles.

Later in life, he enjoyed living at Riverview Towers and most recentl y was lovingly cared for at The Presbyterian Home in Oakmont.

“Big Russ”, as he liked to be called, is survived by his children Joanna (Russell) Caruso (Albert Caruso), Aaron Russell (Pam Bradley), and Alexander Raphael; his sister Patricia Anne Russell; nephew Jesse Meyer; and grandchildren Michael Caruso and Caroline Caruso.

A memorial celebration will be held in the spring at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park. Date to be determined at a later time. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Nonviolent Communication at https://www.cnvc.org/donate or to CNVC Financial Assistance Fund for training scholarships https://www.cnvc.org/donate/financial-assistance-fund

Arrangements entrusted to the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.