Russel A. Deliberto, age 90, of Apple River, IL, completed his earthly journey on June 3, 2023, at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, Galena, IL, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Russel’s life, his memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, at 11:15 a.m., at the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, 635 East Schapville Road, in Elizabeth, Il, with Pastor Dottie Morizzo officiating.  Burial will be in the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church Cemetery with a luncheon to follow where Russel’s family and friends can join in food and fellowship.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Russel’s family.

Russel was born on February 6, 1933, in Chicago, IL, one of three sons to Joseph and Ann (Werner) Deliberto.  The Lord created Russel with a loving heart, a joyful spirit, and a slight touch of mischievousness combined with a twinkle in his eye to keep those around him smiling throughout his 90 years among us.  After high school, Russel went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army in the Korean War.  Upon returning home, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree and spent the majority of his working career as a produce inspector with Jewel Foods.  He was also an airplane mechanic for good measure, and thoroughly enjoyed his time working as the doorman at Eagle Ridge until his eventual retirement.  Russel enthusiastically dressed up for the holidays accordingly and was even awarded the Illinois Doorman of the Year due to his diligent efforts.  Russel met the love of his life, Elaine C. Seidel, while they were both in a friend’s wedding party and their predetermined union was set into motion that very evening.  Within a year, the couple was united in marriage on August 31, 1957, and blessed with many wonderful years together, along with 5 children of their own.  Russel’s love for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was continually on display for all to observe.  His commitment to those he loved and adored will continue to be evident within the generations to follow as his example has laid a solid foundation for all to follow.  Russel was a faithful and longtime member of the Presbyterian Church and served as Elder, bible study leader, and Clerk of Session at Schapville Zion for many years.  In his free-time, Russel always enjoyed tinkering in the garage, reading through the local and national news in the newspaper daily, as well as tending to his bountiful vegetable gardens anytime he could.  He was also an avid typewriter aficionado who would find hours of joy burning through a fresh ribbon when his duties were at hand.  The world is definitely a lesser place today without Russel’s love and light spreading vividly within it, but we know that he is at peace now within the grace filled arms of his Lord and Savior, and in that we easily find peace.  Thank you, Russel, for being the moral and considerate man that the Lord made you to be and may the memories which you leave behind help to heal our broken hearts until we all meet again. 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Russel include,

his beautiful bride of 66 years,

Elaine C. Deliberto, Apple River, IL;

his five children,

Steve Deliberto, Apple River, IL,

Scott (Kathryn) Deliberto, Lombard, IL,

Gary (Robin) Deliberto, Albany, GA,

Michael Deliberto, Wheaton, IL,

and Jennifer (David) MacKenzie, Wheaton, IL;

his eleven adored grandchildren,

Megan (Brian) Slavick, Melanie (Sebastian) Witkowski, Melissa (Neil) Brogan, Grant Deliberto, Nicklas (Elizabeth) Deliberto, Matthew Deliberto, Timothy Deliberto, Daniel Deliberto, Boyd (Gia) MacKenzie, Morgan (Ryan Hughes) MacKenzie, and Kara MacKenzie;

his nine great-grandchildren,

Lexi Slavick, Selena Slavick, Brody Slavick, Bryce Slavick, Lily Brogan, Emma Brogan, Isla Witkowski, Bennett Witkowski, and Aurora MacKenzie;

his brother,

Ricard Deliberto, Superior, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Russel was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Joseph Deliberto.

In lieu of flowers, a Russel A. Deliberto memorial fund has been established which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Russel’s family would like to thank Dr. Gregory Vandigo and his staff for their consistent and diligent care, along with the nurses and staff at the Galena Nursing Home, Galena, IL, for all of their professional and compassionate care over the last year, and especially throughout these last days.  Your kindness has truly helped to bring a little light into some of our darkest days and for that we are eternally grateful.

Online condolences may be shared with Russel’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com