Russell Christopher Barbarotta

Russell Christopher Barbarotta, 54, of Crooksville, died in the early morning hours of December 18, 2022, at his home following an extended illness.

For most of his life he thought he was born on January 5, 1968, but recently he realized he was celebrating his birthday on the wrong day, a quick glance at his birth certificate put him born one day earlier on January 4, 1968.

Russ was an autobody mechanic by trade. Since he was 16, he fixed the bodies of cars, and even developed the incredible skill of autobody painting. What defined Russ the most were his kids. He was a dedicated father, so very proud of his three children and their creation of beautiful grandchildren, he adored his grandchildren and the breath of fresh life they gave him. His daughters and son will so very much miss their dad.

Left to mourn his passing are his children, Kelly (Chevy) Hood, Jenna (Travis) Scott and Russell J. Barbarotta; his wife, Leanna Harris- Barbarotta; his siblings, Elizabeth Brown, Paul (Catherine) Barbarotta and Tamara (Brian) Johnson; his darling grandchildren, Amelia, Ellsie, Braylee, Landon, Jude, Logan, Gwendolyn, Bexlee, Harrison, and Hannah; his niece, Tiffany Brown, his great-nephew, Ricky Lane and good friend, Michael Griffith.

Russ is preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Peecook-Gaschler; his stepfather, Joseph Gaschlar; his uncle, Russell Peecook and his special fur friend, Zeus.

The Barbarotta family will celebrate Russ’s life with a memorial service at 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the Anchor Church, 114 Sycamore St., Crooksville where Pastor Tony Richard will eulogize.

The family has requested memorial donations be made in Russell’s name to the funeral home to offset final expenses.