Obituary of Russell Joseph LaDelfa

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Russell Joseph LaDelfa of East Rochester, NY. Russell suddenly passed away on November 21st, 2024 at the front of his beloved Pontiac GTO. He was 75 years old. 

Russell was a dedicated son and continued to be, until the day he passed, visiting and helping to care for his 97 year old mother, Caroline LaDelfa. He was an amazing big brother to Phyllis (Tom) Bove’, Steven “Steve” LaDelfa, Karen (Tom) Stoner, and Robert “Bob” LaDelfa. Russell was a loving husband to his resilient wife, Marie Borelli. He was a kind and accepting father to his two loving daughters, Anna LaDelfa and Elizabeth “Liz” Elliott, who are the creation of Russell and his first wife, Judy Russell. Russell and Judy were still great friends. He greatly appreciated his sons-in-law, Dr. Graham Widrick and Richard Elliott. He immensely adored his first granddaughter, Elliana Elliott. Russell thought highly of his living bonus son, Derrek Schwartz, and his wife, Susan Schwartz. His bonus grandchildren, Jamiey and Meghan Christmas, and Marine Corporal Griffin and Annika Widrick, brought him great joy. He also cared greatly for his bonus great grandchildren Jovani “Jo” and Onaliz Rivera. He has many cousins whom he held dear. 

Russell was preceded in death by his father, Russell LaDelfa, sister, Ann LaDelfa, eldest daughter, Natalie LaDelfa, bonus daughters, Carrlee and Patricia Christmas, bonus grandson, Timothy Christmas;  Aunt Yolonda, Aunt Nelly, Uncle Carl, and many other aunts and uncles and grandparents. 

Russell served as Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a Communications Specialist. He was a proud veteran and marched in many parades and wore his country’s colors with honor. He owned his own auto body shop, worked as a janitor for the U of R, and ended his career rebuilding motors for the railroads. Russell enjoyed all music, but rock and roll was his favorite. He was the lead singer for multiple bands including Used Guys, which allowed him to raise thousands of dollars for Mercy Flight Central over many years at their annual Sock Hop. He immensely enjoyed nature and going for hikes or bike rides, and inspired many others to do the same. He also found joy in the arts and was skilled with his ability to make something beautiful from the material he found in nature. Russell adored his family and made everyone who knew him feel special. 

Russell’s wake will be held on Tuesday November 26th at Harloffs Funeral Home in East Rochester from 4pm- 7pm. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 27th at St. Jerome’s Church in East Rochester at 11am. All are welcome to attend one or both services to remember and celebrate the great man Russell will always be. Flowers and gifts are welcome to be sent to Harloff Funeral Home if you so desire. Donations to Mercy Flight Central, East Rochester Volunteer Ambulance and Volunteer Fire Department are also welcomed in honor of Russell. 

Semper Fidelus Russell, we love you and will greatly miss you!