Russell Austin Falls

Russell Austin Falls

Russell Austin Falls, 97, of Avis, Pa., passed away Aug. 1, 2025, at Nottingham Village Nursing Home, Northumberland, Pa.

Born Aug. 26, 1927, to the late James H. Falls, Sr. and Mina (Martin) Falls in Beech Creek, Russell completed the 8th grade and continued his education through the school of hard knocks. By necessity he acquired functional skills in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, soldering, electrical, small engine repair, automotive engine repair/rebuild and automatic transmission repair/rebuild.

Russell served in the United States Army during WWII.

Russell worked 44 years for the New York Central, Penn Central and Conrail railroads. He worked as a laborer on the Track Crew, as a signal maintainer/foreman and later as a high-line electrician. He retired in 1988.

Russell accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1968 and was baptized. He was a member of the Haneyville Bible Church, served as a Deacon and worked on a number of church maintenance repairs and improvements.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, repairing small engines and going camping with his wife and their camper trailer at local Pa. state parks and at a number of out-of-state locations.

In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel (Bridgens) Falls; three sisters, Ruth, Elizabeth and Edith; and two brothers, James H. Falls, Jr. and Harvey Falls.

Russell is survived by three sons, Daniel (Millie Cather) Falls, David (Virginia Engdahl) Falls and Dana (Leslee Mattas) Falls; three daughters, Cheryl (Raymond, deceased) Schoonover, Amber (Keith) Lamey and Candace Peck; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Blanche Dodd, of Texas.

The family has entrusted the Rearick Carpenter Funeral Home, 1002 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore, Pa., with his arrangements.

In accordance with Russell’s wishes, there will be no public services.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.rearickcarpenter.com.