Russell James Siciliano

Russell James Siciliano, 73, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, Sept. 29, 2020, at Hospice House after battling lung cancer.

Russ was born Jan. 29, 1947, in Youngstown, a son of the late Otto and Rose Bakich Siciliano, and he lived most of his life in this area.

Russ was a 1965 graduate of McDonald High School, where he excelled in academics and at various sports. 

He worked as a sheet metal fabricator/craftsman at Jenkins Sign Company for over 30 years. He also worked for Standard Transformer and for U.S. Steel at the McDonald Works.

A lover of Serbian music and culture, Russ enjoyed attending Serbian picnics, church festivals, and special events in Cleveland, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. He played several tamburica (tamburitza) instruments, including the brač. In addition to his interests in his Serbian heritage, he researched his Italian ancestry and had hoped to visit Reggio di Calabria, Italy, the home of his paternal grandparents. 

An avid reader, Russ also enjoyed cooking and vegetable gardening. His version of Grah i kupus, a Serbian dish of beans and sauerkraut, was fondly known as “Ham and Bean Soup on steroids.” His greatest joy was caring for his beloved collies. He owned many collies over the years, and leaves collies, “Mickey” and “Buddy.”

Russ was a member of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church.

Russ is survived by his brother, John; his sisters, Roseann (Harold “Bud”) Lobaugh and Anita Powell; a nephew, Jake Lobaugh; a niece, Jennifer Lobaugh; an uncle, Alexander Bakich; and numerous cousins.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant nephew, John Joseph Siciliano.

Due in part to the virus pandemic, there will be no calling hours or services. 

Russ’s family extends gratitude to Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi, Dr. Muneer Al Zoby, nurse Betty Perrett at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Hospice House “angels” Julie, Marina, and Barb Barnhart, for the kindness shown and care given to Russ. 

Memorial contributions in Russ’s memory may be made to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, OH 44514; or to Northeast Ohio Collie Rescue, PO Box 1594, Elyria, OH 44036.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.