Ira Russell Sr.

Ira L. Russell Sr, 87, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on August 10th, 2024, at his daughter and son-in-law's residence. He passed from complications due to a stroke in 2019. Ira was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 63 years, Diane Boudreaux, his son, Ira Russell Jr., parents, Matthew Russell and Edith Roberston, sister, Edith DeMio, and brother, Thibodeaux Russell. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Doanne and Walter Kandetzki, grandchildren, Ashley Beruete (Jono), Walter Kandetzki III (Stephanie), Matthew Kandetzki (Mary), and Alexis Kandetzki. He is also survived by great grandchildren to include; Daniel, Caleb, Brianna, Caroline, Gabriel, Giovanni, and Julianna. He is survived by his chosen family Khoa, Yen, Catien, Jason, and Vicki and a wonderful caregiver, Theo. Ira was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on November 14th, 1936. Ira grew up here and his family then moved to Harvey, Louisiana when he was in high school. Here, he met the love of his life, Diane. They married in 1957. Ira worked for John Mansfield and tended bar at a local restaurant in Harvey. He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard and received two medals during his time of service. Ira was a proud father and enjoyed teaching his children, and later his grandchildren, how to fish, shrimp, crab, and camp. The family enjoyed spending time camping on uninhabited swamp land in Louisiana in a camp that he built himself. In 1972, he moved his family to Virginia, where he ran a pipe fitting company. He then went to Century Stair in Haymarket and eventually opened a small engine shop in New Baltimore. He could build or fix anything and would help anyone that needed help. He loved to fish, crab, and trawl for shrimp. Ira made all of his nets by hand. The cajun cook that he was, from the bayou, he made the best gumbo and seafood. Ira also loved to tell stories about growing up in the south, serving in the National Guard, and all the best fishing spots. In 2019, Ira had a stroke that brought on aphasia and dementia. Ira and Diane moved in with their daughter and son-in-law who then took care of them. Through all of the hardships that they faced, Ira never left Diane’s side. Family was everything to him, besides fishing. After his wife passed in 2021, all he ever wanted was to be with her again. Ira and Diane’s ashes will be spread at their favorite place, where we all vacationed every summer, the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He requested no service.

Tributes

Ira Russell Sr.

November 14, 1936 - August 10, 2024