Obituary of Simon S Russin III

Russin Obituary 01/05/2021 Simon S. Russin III peacefully transitioned on 01/05/2021 at his home in Arcadia, CA. He was surrounded by his loving companion Lupe De La Rosa and family. Simon was born in Plains, Pennsylvania on 11/17/1944 to Anna Stranko Russin and Simon S. Russin II. He was a bright and beautiful child who grew into a strong and gentle man. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary and Wilkes University with a B.A. degree in Biology in 1966. After graduating he worked briefly as a Health Inspector for the New York Health Department, followed by three years with the Philadelphia Health Department. In 1969, he moved to California where he served the Los Angeles County community for the rest of his life. As a Public Health Officer and Chief Environmental Health Officer of the Lead Abatement Program, he maintained public safety standards, in restaurants, markets, nursing homes, and public places in general. His great passion rested with his work as an elected representative with Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA), a pension trust fund to provide retirement and death benefits to eligible county employees and to administer retiree healthcare benefits. He was elected to the Board of Investments and the Board of Retirement where he worked tirelessly to protect members' investment funds and disability rights. His life of service was a quest for fairness and justice. He sought equality, better and safer working conditions, and a fair wage to all. Simon used his voice for others to defend their rights. Over the course of his life he helped, and developed friendships with, people and organizations that worked for similar causes, such as Cesar Chavez (United Farm Workers California), L.A. County Chicano Employees Association, and Lech Walesa (Union Solidarity Movement Poland). Simon loved many things: family, friends, justice, equality, nature, singing, opera and his dog. He was brave in his convictions and a forceful debater for the causes he supported. Other lifelong associations he enjoyed were his participation in the Apollo Men's Choir - Los Angeles Athletic Club and attending Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Los Angeles. He was a gregarious character with a quick smile, a kind and generous nature, with an extraordinary knowledge of the best restaurants in the county. Those who knew him will forever be thankful for his friendship and his unforgettable joie de vivre. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Tanya Stevens, son-in-law Jeffrey Stevens, and grandsons Max and Cooper of Massachusetts, sisters Julianne Vaughan and Dr. Mary Russin, brother-in-law Dr. David Vaughan, six nieces and nephews, and 15 grand nieces and nephews. Arrangements will be made by Edwards and Russin Funeral Home in Edwardsville, PA. www.russincares.com There will be a celebration of life later in both California and Pennsylvania. Please use the site to share your condolences and enable notification of the dates of later celebrations of Simon’s life. .