Russell Eugene Sooy Sr., 93, of Brighton, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Cleveland Clinic Hospice Center in Akron. Born on November 22, 1925 in Penfield, he was the son of the late Stanley and Thalia (nee Devereaux) Sooy. Russell graduated from Penfield High School and then served in the United States Army. While attending a dance in Penfield, Russell met Laura Matcham and it was love at first sight. The couple settled in Brighton where they built a home together. Russell worked for and retired from Rigid Tool in Elyria. He was an active member of the Brighton United Methodist Church, helping with the onion ring booth at the Lorain County Fair, attending the men's breakfasts and couples group. He was very proud of the dedication he took in donating blood for many years. Russell enjoyed being outside, tending to his lawn and feeding the hummingbirds, and he also helped mow at the church. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed following the Cleveland Indians and watching golf. Russell and Laura enjoyed traveling and besides going to Florida regularly, had been to almost all 50 states. Russell was a happy go lucky guy and his family and friends will fondly remember his smile, laugh and hug. The homemade ice cream, a joint effort between he and his wife Laura, will always hold a special place in their memory. Survivors include his children Russell (Gladys) Sooy Jr., of Alabama, and Carolyn (John) White, of Akron; son in law, Moti Vaswani; grandchildren Lydia (Mark), Anna (Dennis), Daniel (Bekah), Aaron, Katelyn (Jeremiah), Neeta, Phillip (Sarah), Sarah (Mike); great grandchildren Olivia, Sophia, Emmalyn, Christopher, Joseph, Derek (Danielle) Cody, Lauraly; great-great-grandchildren Palmer, Colten, and Conner; sister Lorna Patt, of Canton. Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 68 years Laura Sooy; daughter, Marilyn Vaswani; siblings, Arlene Lampe, Wilma Perry, Ireta Cusumano, and Arthur Sooy. Friends and family will be received on Saturday, May 18, from 4-7 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St., Wellington. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 2 pm at the Brighton United Methodist Church, 51011 State Route 18, Wellington, with Pastor James Ellis officiating. Burial will follow at Brighton Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brighton United Methodist Church.