Obituary of Robert David Russell

Robert David Russell Robert David Russell was 62, when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Robert was born in Long Beach, California on June 25, 1956, to Ronald and Shirley (Farquhar) Russell. He was their only child. Since childhood Robert has been known as "Dave". His family lived in several cities in California while he was growing up. Robert and Shirley lived together in Thousand Oaks, California until his teenage years. When Dave was around 13 years old his parents separated. He then lived with his mother in Santa Monica for the majority of his school years. Then Dave lived briefly with his Father and his Step-mom Gina in La Habra. Dave graduated from La Habra High School in 1975. Dave joined the Navy in 1975 after graduating High School. He traveled the world while in the Navy. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier the USS Ranger - (CVA-61). He was stationed in the Philippines for several years. He also spent some time in Japan. While in the Navy he became a Photo Intelligence Specialist. On May 18, 1981 he was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving his country. He continued his service through the Navy Reserves for over ten years. After being discharged from the Navy, Dave started his journey in obtaining a college degree. He worked hard and earned his Associates Degree in Administration of Justice from Santa Monica City College in June 1989. Later on in November 2011 he earned a Diploma in Information Technology from Stanbridge College. Dave was employed by TRW/ Northrup Grumman in the eighties where he worked for over twenty years. He worked in the Security Department as an Industrial Security Analyst. While working on a proposal, Dave met his soulmate Diane Zark in 1988. They were married on September 23, 1989 in Huntington Beach, CA. They lived in San Pedro, Lakewood and Westminster during their time in California. It was in Lakewood that they had their two children; Victoria and Ryan. Dave was a very active participant in their children's lives. He loved to take pictures and coached Victoria and Ryan's soccer teams while growing up. He even became a soccer game ref for his children. Even when Victoria and Ryan were in college he would review and edited their papers. He wanted the best for them. In 2017, Dave and family decided to move to Tucson, Arizona to be near his mother Shirley Biamonte, which made the family happy. It was in Tucson that we joined First United Methodist Church which Dave became a full member and would often usher during the services. He would also help other members and the Church itself with computer problems. He also became a part of the worship committee which brought him tremendous joy. In Dave's free time he enjoyed playing with our four dogs, watching the LA Lakers and Rams play, cooking/baking, his cactus/flower garden, and talking to his best friends on the phone. His favorite show was Law and Order. He loved Law and Order so much he even added the Doink Doink and the full Theme song as his notification alert and ringtone respectfully. Dave is survived by his Wife Diane, His Daughter Victoria, His Son Ryan, His Daughter- in- Law Tuong, and His Mother Shirley. He brought so much love and light to everyone he encountered. He will be forever missed.