Donald V. “Donnie” Russell, 67, of Indian Mills in Shamong Twp., N.J. passed away Monday, August 30, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Donnie was born in Hammonton, N.J. and was a member of the second graduating class from Shawnee Regional High School in 1973. He was one of the owners of the Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Atsion, Donnie Russell’s Pic III in Medford and the Pic-A-Lilli Pub in Atlantic City. Donnie was the originator of the legendary wing and sauce recipe as well as many other menu items still being served at the many Pic locations. His love for feeding people was profound for his many years in the business. Donnie loved the annual turkey shoot that he organized with his brothers in the ‘60s to the late ‘90s. He had a love for sportfishing, classic cars and motorcycles.
He is predeceased by his parents, Pickett B. Russell Jr. and Florence Russell (nee Hall); brothers, Pickett B. III “Butch,” Bruce W. Russell Sr. and John “Buddy” Russell; and sister, Lillian “Bonnie” Halfmann.
Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (nee Augustine); son, Donald Jr. (Frances); daughter, Jessica Gillen (John); step-son, Anthony Comunale; step-daughter, Kasi DeStefano (Steven); his brother, Wallace Russell and his wife Ginny; sister-in-law, Sandy Russell; sister-in-law, Sandra; and brother-in-law, Bill Halfmann as well as many nieces and nephews. He is the loving grandfather to Kiley, Panama, Jack, Isabella, Lillianna and Donnie.
Family and friends attended his visitation on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are also invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. all at the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N. Third Street Hammonton, N.J. Burial will follow in Pinelands Memorial Park 84 Willow Grove Road, Shamong, NJ 08088. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Donnie to Animal Welfare Association 509 Centennial Blvd. Voorhees, NJ 08043.
To share condolences please visit www.marinellafuneralhome.com.
Arrangements made by the Marinella Funeral Home.