Russell English

This obituary unites and celebrates the lives of Russell Raymond English born February
13, 1931 - December 21, 2022 and his wife Constance Ann (Budd) English, born June
14, 1936 - December 26, 2016.
Russ was 91 and living at home when his health began to decline, He passed
peacefully in the care of Hospice of Medina County with his sons and dear friend Phil
McLean by his side. Russ’s wife of 57 years, Connie, was 80 at the time of her passing
in 2016. She fought a long battle with dementia that took her too soon. Both will be
remembered as upstanding citizens of the Richfield community and dearly loved by
their family and friends.
Russ and Connie met on a school bus in 1951. He was driving and she was boarding.
Obviously, it was love at first sight. They were married in 1959. This union created their
surviving sons Steve (Denise) and Eric (Lorrie) English, their grandchildren Stephanie
(Vince) Graber, great granddaughter Joy Marie Graber and Samantha English, (fiance’
Cole Linville) all of Plain City, Ohio and Sara English and Jake English of Richfield,
Ohio. In their younger years, everyone spent many good times together including a few
adventures as one big family. We reminisce about those days often. Russ was always
snapping a photo and Connie herding the children. The grandchildren referred to their
grandparents as Chief and Granny.
After several years of operating his own body shop, Russ’s Auto Body, he joined the
Richfield Township Fire Department in 1952 and retired in 1998. He served the
community for 46 years. As the Village of Richfield was formed in 1967, he served the
village and the township. To name a few of his accomplishments; Russ moved through
the ranks and was a training Captain, promoted to part time chief in 1965 and became
the Fire Chief in 1975. He was part of the first graduating Paramedic class in the State
of Ohio and Summit County. He was responsible for the creation of the Rescue Squad
in the early sixties. Along with his crew, they built their own tanker and grass fire truck at
the fire station. They purchased a ‘64 Oldsmobile Ambulance that was state of the art
until 1976. A Suburban Chevy panel truck ambulance was also used. He designed and
structured the fulltime FD in 1982 with three full time fireman/paramedics on duty 24/7.
Russ was instrumental during the construction of the Richfield Coliseum, responsible
for Fire Code changes related to pyrotechnics inside the Coliseum. With promoting
EMS education for the community, growing the staff and fulltime village inspector, he
brought the community up with the times. The Richfield Fire Department was the first in
many areas of fire and rescue because of Chief English. In 1985, he was a founding
partner of Sensible Products. The Chief was respected and appreciated by his
colleagues and the community.

Connie was a loving dedicated mother to her two sons. She enjoyed supervising the
students of the elementary playground for 26 years when she happily retired to care
fulltime for her grandkids, Sara and Jake. The grandchildren recall that Christmas time
was always special with Granny. Her world was always centered around children.
They both had passions outside of their long careers. He loved woodworking; she loved
cross stitch and building puzzles. Their works of art gifted to family and friends will
sustain us with fond memories. Together, they loved to collect art work and items by
various artists as well as being avid auto racing fans.
Steve would like to express his gratitude to his brother Eric for taking care of their dad
over these last several years. He thanks him from the bottom of his heart.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, January 7 th at 1:00 PM at the Richfield
Village Hall Council Chambers 4410 West Streetsboro Rd. Richfield 44286
The Richfield Fire Department will conduct a Last Alarm Ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Richfield Firefighters Association.