Russell E. “Russ” Barrus Jr., 53, of Grantville, PA, passed away on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Russ was born in Camden, NJ, on Oct. 10, 1972, to Louise M. (DiVietro) Barrus of Grantville, PA, and the late Russell E. Barrus Sr. He worked as a maintenance repairman II for DMVA, Fort Indiantown Gap.
Growing up, he and his brother, Eddie, were inseparable and shared the joy of motocross racing, and he continued to follow the sport. Russ was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating, and was a lover of nature and the outdoors. He found enjoyment and pride in his gardens and beekeeping. He practiced and mastered the art of Wing Chung Martial Arts.
Russ was a gifted guitar player whose favorite band was Led Zeppelin, the artist Prince, Chris Cornell, Ozzy Osbourne, and other ’70s rock and metal bands. Russ was a talented artist and currently enjoyed painting landscapes, #Bob Ross.
His greatest joy and accomplishment in life was his daughter, Anastasia Barrus.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his daughter, Anastasia M. Barrus, of NJ; brother, Edward L. Barrus; sister-in-law, Christina, of Alaska; and partner, Tamara L. Osler. He was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine L. Crouse. He is also survived by many other loving family members.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m., at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 165 Firehouse Road, Grantville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
