| Christopher Frank Russell
MILWAUKEE - Christopher Frank Russell, age 52, of St. Johns, Florida, was a loving husband and father who was taken too soon, passing away on May 22nd, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his family by his side.
Chris was born on February 5, 1972, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Miles D. and Diane. Growing up, he played club soccer and lead his high school team to a state title. He loved listening to heavy metal music so much, his teammates called him “metal”. He graduated from Oyster River High School in Durham, New Hampshire. At 18, Chris enlisted in the US Navy, where he served for 9 years. He became a machinist’s mate second class and served in 16 countries, including Guam, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and more. He served his final duty station in Kings Bay, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Fina Russell. They were married on April 19, 1997 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
Chris was always extraordinarily hardworking, earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Brenau University while still in the Navy. He then earned his Master’s Degree in 2007 at the University of North Florida and his CPA designation in 2009. He was awarded Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2010. After many years of serving clients and building trusted relationships with friends and peers in the community, he started his own CPA firm, Chris Russell & Company (CRCO), in January 2018.
Through life's ups and downs, Chris was a rock for many people, especially his family. Over the years, he could always be found at the soccer fields coaching and cheering on his children, Elle, 21, and Patrick, 19. He was always there to encourage their bright futures and guide them through life’s challenges. When he was not on the field, you could find him watching his favorite team, Chelsea Football Club, with his son Patrick. He loved trivia, and to stay sharp, he regularly watched Jeopardy with his daughter Elle.
He was a dedicated father, friend and a pillar in the community, offering sound advice, personal and professional. Chris was so charismatic, he was loved by everyone he met. Chris had a passion for travel, having recently visited London, Italy, and Switzerland. He always relished sharing his travel experiences with friends, and taking suggestions for his next destination.
Among all those who he cared for, lastly was his beloved boy Oscar, a 9 year-old pug. Friends and neighbors in the community may miss seeing them together on their daily routine morning walks.
Chris's final day was a testament to his passion for life. He spent it in the company of his family, engaging in activities that brought them all joy, attending church, hiking, and, most importantly, playing soccer with Patrick and Elle. His joy was infectious, leaving an indelible mark on those around him as he showed us a world we would have never known without him.
Chris is survived by his wife Fina, children Elle and Patrick, his dad Miles D., siblings Sharon and Ben, twelve brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles, and many great friends.
Chris was preceded in death by – his mother Diane, Springfield, Massachusetts, and a great friend Harvey, Jacksonville, Florida.
Some quotes from the people he loved:
“Chris's second home was the church…..Chelsea football Club”- unknown
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take” – Wayne Gretzky - Michael Scott
“No one ever said it would be this hard”- unknown
“We’ve all lost something we cannot replace “ - unknown
“If I do a job in 30 minutes, it’s because I spent 10 years learning how to do that in 30 minutes. You owe me for the years, not the minutes.”- unknown
“When success finds you; it’s because you were looking for it” - Larry Fitzgerald
“Don’t count the days, make the days count”- Muhammad Ali
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