Russ Parkinson

Russell Jay Parkinson

04 Oct 1930 - 14 Feb 2025

Clubs & Associations

Iron City Squares

Obituary

Russell Jay Parkinson, age 94, of Pittsburgh, passed away on February 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving children.

Russell was born on October 4, 1930, in Parsons, KS, to the late Harold Nevins and Glendora (Watt) Parkinson.

Russell served in the U.S. Air Force as a Navigator. He went on to obtain a Ph.D. from Duke University, NC, in Military History. His career included being a professor at Point Park College 1967-1974. Russell retired from the Center of Military History in 1992.

Russell was a member of the Metropolitan Community Church, Prime Timers, Iron City Squares Dance Club, as well as a variety of other social and dining clubs. Russell was an avid Hot Air Balloon Pilot and International Observer. He was a lifetime member of the Balloon Federation of America and the Lighter than Air Society.

Russell will always be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes when he was laughing, and his giggle before doing something mischievous. Russell will mostly be remembered for being an intellectual storyteller and his love of education. Through education, Russell was a mentor to others and led his community to be better individuals.

Russell was predeceased by his ex-wife, Lyn M. Parkinson; and sister, Jayne Brown of Arizona.

He is survived by his loving children, Hugh J. Parkinson, H. Nevins (Lori) Parkinson II, and Briceland P. (Vince) Farrell; his cherished grandchildren, Meghan (Michael) Harwood, Vincent Jay (Ariel) Farrell, Jessica (Alex) Diegel, Judith (Basti) Parkinson-Schwarz, Amanda Parkinson, Kara (Dean) Abbondanza, and Emily Shorr; adored great-grandchildren, Farah Palm, Vincent Aaron Jay Farrell, Graey Palm, Nathanael Palm, Hudson Palm, Katharina Schwarz, Mara Diegel, Franziska Schwarz, Raphael Diegel, Sebastian Abbondanza and Zander Harwood; nieces, Anne (Bob) Kincely and their children, Karla and Mindy, and Shirely Palermo and her family; cousin, Jean (Jim) Dietz; and family and cousin, Bob Dietz and family.

Arrangements by BEINHAUER FUNERAL HOME. Family and friends are welcome on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4 pm-8 pm, at 2630 West Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216, 412-531-4000. Interment will be privately held at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Russell's name to the Russell Parkinson Cares Fund Russell Jay Parkinson Cares Fund-Pittsburgh PrimeTimers® or the American Cancer Society.