Rev. Bernard M. Russell, CSV, died Feb. 27, 1969 in Erie, PA, where he had been serving as professor of mathematics at Gannon College since 1946. He was 61 and in the 37th year of his religious life and the 30th year of his priesthood.
Fr. Russell was born June 15, 1907 in Bolivar, NY, but he grew up and attended schools in Kansas and Texas.
He entered the Clerics of St. Viator in 1931 and went on to graduate in 1935 from St. Viator College in Bourbonnais. Fr. Russell completed his theological studies in 1939 at Catholic University of America in Washington DC.
On Feb. 24, 1939, Fr. Russell was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John M. McNamara at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
He continued his studies, however, and in 1945, Fr. Russell received a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan.
In addition to teaching at Gannon College, Fr. Russell taught at St. Philip High School in Chicago; Fournier Institute in Lemont, IL; and at Cathedral Boys High School and Springfield Junior College.in Springfield, IL.
Bishop Alfred Watson presided at his funeral Mass on March 1 at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie, which was concelebrated by 23 priests and drew a large crowd of students from Gannon College. Msgr. Wilfrid Nash, Gannon College president, delivered the homily. Bishop John Whealon, ordinary of the Diocese of Erie, officiated at the absolution ceremonies.
A scripture service took place the following day, March 2, at Theis Funeral Chapel in Chicago, before another funeral Mass was celebrated for his confreres, on March 3 at St. Viator Church in Chicago.
The Rev. John W. Stafford, CSV, provincial, celebrated the requiem Mass along with Bishop William E. McManus and the Rev. J. Francis Larkin, CSV, delivered the homily.
Fr. Russell was buried in the Viatorian plot at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.
Taken from a Viatorian press release, date unknown