Mr. Leo J. Russavage, 82, of Tunkhannock, passed away Friday, August 16, 2019, at his home after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Joyce Tillman Russavage.

Born in Duryea, he was the son of the late Joseph and Jessie Kulinski Russavage. He played football at Duryea High School and then at the University of North Carolina. He played in the Canadian football league for the Ottowa Rough Riders and then was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Later, he worked as a claims insurance adjuster for over 40 years.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed being outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and tending to the many fruit trees he planted. He loved all sports, especially football, college basketball and any competition involving his beloved Carolina Tarheels.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister in law, Clement and Elinor Russavage.

Surviving in addition to his wife are:
Daughter, Ann Russavage-Faust of Doylestown
Son, Michael Russavage and his wife, Sharon, of Dunmore

Grandson, Alexander Faust
Grandson, Samuel Leo Faust
Granddaughter, Emily Russavage
Grandson, Mitchell Russavage

He leaves behind other relatives and longtime friends who mourn his passing.

The family would like to thank River Street Manor, Residential Hospice and Comfort Keepers for the care and compassion that was shown to Leo and his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at 10:00 am in Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea. Interment will be private. There will be no viewing. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Leo's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea, PA 18642.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

I was so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. The news took a while to reach me in Florida but I wanted you all to know how much I think of Leo and Joyce as well as Michael and Ann. You were great friends and neighbors and I am so happy to hear of your grandchildren. Thoughts and prayers to you all and God Bless.

Tammy. Lawson (over 5 years ago)

Very sorry to hear of Leo's passing. He was truly a person I call my friend. My condolences to all Leo's family.

Mike Galka (over 5 years ago)

We are very sorry to hear that Leo passed away. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Marty and Lois Hanczyc (over 5 years ago)

On behalf of the membership of Pine Flats it is with deep sorrow and regret that we mourn the passing of Leo. Beyond the fact that he was a charter member his advice and counsel on all matters was sought, respected and far more often than not it was heeded. Personally I will miss him greatly. many conversations over a glass of wine are something I will long remember and cherish. To his wife Joyce, children Ann and Michael and his grandchildren I say hold your heads high and be proud of him and the legacy he established. Carry on as he wanted you to do.

Rob Wywiorski (over 5 years ago)

Dear Mary and Family, So sorry for your loss. Leo was always a kind gentleman and well respected in our home. He was a great friend to my Dad, Snag Wywiorski, I'm sure the reunion in Heaven with that crew is really something! May you find comfort in loving memories of a wonderful husband and father.

Gail Wywiorski Malloy (over 5 years ago)

Ann. So sorry for your loss. I remember some good laughs with your dad. Let your wonderful memories ease your pain as only memories and passage of time can do. You were missed at the class reunion. Take care and God bless

Barb Randazza Gunton (over 5 years ago)

Dear Joyce, Ann & Michael, My condolences. Leo was a good guy. Now he's reunited with other Pine Flats buddies like my dad, Clem, Walter, Louie B., et.al. I have fond memories of fun times growing up with y'all. Take care.

Jan Kelly (over 5 years ago)

Joyce: So sorry for your loss.

Carole B Shebby (over 5 years ago)

So sorry for your loss! He will be missed by our family!

David Guarilia (over 5 years ago)

My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. So very sorry for your loss.

Bebe Tillman (over 5 years ago)

Sorry to read of Leos passing. Was my Higgh School classmate at DHS. Acce[t my most sincere condolences..

Arnie Urban (over 5 years ago)

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