Russell J. Bellis

Russell J. Bellis, 79, of Butler died Wednesday evening at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 21, 1938, in Butler, he was a son of the late Joseph J. Bellis and Florence M. Lynn Bellis.

Russell was a machinist for Pullman Standard for 27 years, retiring in 1982 when the plant closed.

He enjoyed nature and the outdoors, especially golf. In his early years, he spent time hunting and fishing.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed walking with his daughter every day and cooking for his grandchildren every Saturday night.

He was a member of the Elks golf league and was past president of the Pullman golf league.

Surviving are his loyal companion, Virginia R. “Ginny” Flick; one son, Douglas L. (Ann Warren) Bellis of Chicora; one daughter, Michelle A. (Gerald L.) Raabe of Butler; three grandchildren, Shayla L. Benninger and her fiancé, Robbie D. Engleka, Eric J. Raabe and Nathan J. Raabe, all of Butler; one brother, Gary J. (Carol) Bellis of Butler; his four nephews; and his special puppy, Buddy.

BELLIS — Family and friends of Russell J. Bellis, who died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.Funeral services for family and friends will then be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. His cousin, the Rev. Jim Lynn, will officiate. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Butler.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15205, or the American Heart Association, PO Box 15210, Chicago, IL, 60693, or to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, Pa., 16053.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.