Russell H. Nitzsche

Russell H. Nitzsche, 74, of Munroe Falls, died Oct. 5, 2022, after a short illness. He was born Jan. 16, 1948, in Akron to Norma and the late Russell Nitzsche.

The story of Russ’ life revolves around his love for his wife, Janet. They met while both were working at the Kent Machine Company and were married in 1984. Throughout their marriage, they were each other’s best friend and favorite companion for dining out at local eateries, short trips for sight-seeing and just watching television together.

Russ was a 1966 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School. He was a skilled and creative machinist. He began his career at Kent Machine and was promoted to supervisor. He soon rose to become the manager.

He had a talent for working with his hands and excelled at carpentry, building and remodeling. He built homes and had a home remodeling business. He was the guy many of his neighbors called when their homes needed updated or repaired.

After retiring from Kent Machine, Russ was hired as a zoning inspector for the City of Munroe Falls, which he enjoyed for a number of years.

Russ and Janet were famous for the annual July 4th picnic at their home for many years in their Guise Park neighborhood. Being a gifted machinist, Russ designed and built a small cannon that was used during the fireworks display to the delight of the menfolk and neighborhood children. The finale was thousands of firecrackers going off that lit up the street and joyously celebrated a national holiday. Those are some of the best memories of those summers and is still talked about by the children who are now adults.

Together, Russ and Janet were always ready to help neighbors in need, whether it was for a mechanical problem, organizing a Christmas dinner, celebrating a happy occasion or offering comfort.

Russ was preceded in death by his brother Ray and stepson, Doug Schley. Besides his wife, he is survived by his mother, Norma of Tallmadge; sister, Debbie (Jim) Pickard of Cuyahoga Falls; brother, Bob (Lori) Nitzsche of Cuyahoga Falls; sister-in-law, Barbara Pallat of Yorkville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours Thursday 6-7p.m. at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home, 810 Portage Tr. in Cuyahoga Falls, where funeral services will be held at 7p.m., Rev. Adam Marquette officiating.

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