Obituary for Russell D. Lasher
Russell Dunkin Lasher graced our earth on February 3, 1946. He passed away peacefully on January 6, 2022, surrounded by his loving husband, Jeffery Nearhoof, family and close friends. During the past few years Russell embraced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease but was lovingly cared for at home. He left our earth loved, supported, and at peace.
Russell was born in Erie to Nellie and Dunkin Lasher. Russ had a joyful childhood and after graduating from Academy High School in 1964, he studied Chemistry at Edinboro College. Immediately upon graduation, Russ was hired in the Millcreek Township School District where he remained until his retirement after a 34-year career. During his tenure in Millcreek, Russ served on many committees, including Chemistry Department Chair for several years. Russ was often found in the halls chatting with students and checking on fellow colleagues. He especially enjoyed the daily visits to the secretaries, the cafeteria staff for a cookie and a visit with a fellow teacher for coffee!
Russ was a member of the YMCA and served on the board. Russell also maintained memberships at the American Legion and Siebenburger Club. Russ was very giving and supported many local agencies with donations and acts of service. Family and close friends remember Russ’s ability to quietly support his family, friends, and acquaintances in a dignified manner. Russ could always be counted on and touched the lives of many in many different ways.
Russ married Rose Intrieri in 1968 and together they had two daughters, Renee Shank and Shira Lasher. However, the true love of Russell’s life was his partner and husband of 32 years, Jeffery Nearhoof. Jeffery and Russ’s love for each other was evident in all interactions and was truly heartwarming. They were a loving team in all they did and opened their welcoming home to family and friends.
Russ enjoyed traveling, especially to Palm Springs, California where he and Jeffery were married. Russ also enjoyed eating out, playing cards, swimming, exercising, and showing kindness wherever he went.
Russ is preceded in death by parents Nellie and Dunkin Lasher, brother Ronald Dexter, daughter Shira Lasher, and Rose Intrieri. He is survived by his devoted husband, Jeffery Nearhoof, Renee Shank (David), Joshua Shank (Mary), Zachary Shank, Lisa Galliano (Tony), Mike Nearhoof, Art Nearhoof (Michelle), David Nearhoof (Leslie), Sherman Nearhoof, Jr., John Nearhoof (Debbie), Cindy Nearhoof, Barbara Prindle (Robert), Belinda Clark (Carl), Bonnie Laskowski, John Lasher (Alex), Barbara and Jerry Carle, best friends Stephanie Williams and Jim Lindenberger, and several nieces and nephews.
Russ is now at peace and reunited with his parents and daughter. His smile, beautiful blue eyes, and his gentle and kind ways will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing Russ.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to a funeral service there on Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in North East Cemetery and a celebration of life event will be held immediately following the service in Russ’s memory at the Siebenburger Club.
Memorial donations may be made in Russ’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org
Russell was born in Erie to Nellie and Dunkin Lasher. Russ had a joyful childhood and after graduating from Academy High School in 1964, he studied Chemistry at Edinboro College. Immediately upon graduation, Russ was hired in the Millcreek Township School District where he remained until his retirement after a 34-year career. During his tenure in Millcreek, Russ served on many committees, including Chemistry Department Chair for several years. Russ was often found in the halls chatting with students and checking on fellow colleagues. He especially enjoyed the daily visits to the secretaries, the cafeteria staff for a cookie and a visit with a fellow teacher for coffee!
Russ was a member of the YMCA and served on the board. Russell also maintained memberships at the American Legion and Siebenburger Club. Russ was very giving and supported many local agencies with donations and acts of service. Family and close friends remember Russ’s ability to quietly support his family, friends, and acquaintances in a dignified manner. Russ could always be counted on and touched the lives of many in many different ways.
Russ married Rose Intrieri in 1968 and together they had two daughters, Renee Shank and Shira Lasher. However, the true love of Russell’s life was his partner and husband of 32 years, Jeffery Nearhoof. Jeffery and Russ’s love for each other was evident in all interactions and was truly heartwarming. They were a loving team in all they did and opened their welcoming home to family and friends.
Russ enjoyed traveling, especially to Palm Springs, California where he and Jeffery were married. Russ also enjoyed eating out, playing cards, swimming, exercising, and showing kindness wherever he went.
Russ is preceded in death by parents Nellie and Dunkin Lasher, brother Ronald Dexter, daughter Shira Lasher, and Rose Intrieri. He is survived by his devoted husband, Jeffery Nearhoof, Renee Shank (David), Joshua Shank (Mary), Zachary Shank, Lisa Galliano (Tony), Mike Nearhoof, Art Nearhoof (Michelle), David Nearhoof (Leslie), Sherman Nearhoof, Jr., John Nearhoof (Debbie), Cindy Nearhoof, Barbara Prindle (Robert), Belinda Clark (Carl), Bonnie Laskowski, John Lasher (Alex), Barbara and Jerry Carle, best friends Stephanie Williams and Jim Lindenberger, and several nieces and nephews.
Russ is now at peace and reunited with his parents and daughter. His smile, beautiful blue eyes, and his gentle and kind ways will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing Russ.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to a funeral service there on Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in North East Cemetery and a celebration of life event will be held immediately following the service in Russ’s memory at the Siebenburger Club.
Memorial donations may be made in Russ’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org