Russell Harkins

Russell Harkins, age 61, of Vermilion, died Friday, February 17, 2006 in Community Health Partners following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born on June 5, 1944 in Cleveland and had lived in Vermilion for the past 8 years, moving from Sheffield Lake. He graduated from St. Edward High School in 1962. He was a self-employed painting contractor and landlord and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a remarkable knack for telling stories. He also had a passion for helping nearly everyone he met. As an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 24 years, he frequently shared his testimony of God's intervention in his life and always had time to encourage someone seeking sobriety. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Geraldine (nee Trotto) Harkins; daughters, Susan Giddings of Kingsport, TN, Barbara Stasiuk of North Olmstead and Melanie Williamson of Elyria; sons, Raymond Harkins of Warren and Matt Harkins of Vermilion; 5 grandchildren; sisters, Jean Burton of Sun City, AZ, Edith Yasenchack of Peoria, AZ and Karen Mollard of Cleveland; brother, Greg Harkins of Lakewood. Preceding him in death were his parents, Edward and Julia (nee Storme) Harkins and a brother, William Harkins. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 from 6-9pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. An Alcoholics Anonymous service will be at 6:00pm. Prayers will be said at the funeral home at 10:00am on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion. The Reverend Jim Holmer, pastor, will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.