Russell Wade Fesler

Russell Wade Fesler, born in Copley, Ohio to Seward and Harriet Fesler, on February 11th, 1927.

He graduated from Copley High School 1945. Russ was drafted into the army serving in Salzburg and Linz, Austria as occupational force where he was assigned to the 63rd Signal Operational Detachment. He was discharged in 1948, called back into the service during the Korean Conflict, and assigned to army security agency ASA for nine-months helping put together disembarking soldiers in Korea. He was discharged with a rank of Sergeant First Class SFC.

Russ was a member of Coventry-Akron Lodge #83, Yusef Khan Grotto, Tadmor Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters.

A member of International Brotherhood of Electricians worker #306 joining in 1952.
After years of working and running jobs as an electrician, Russ and Dick Braumbaugh formed Community Electric Inc. in 1961. Russ purchased Dick's interest in 1970. After 40 successful years in business, in 2001 Russ retired and closed Community Electric.

While in business Russ was very active in NECA, National Electrical Contractors Association, serving as President and Governor of North Central Ohio Chapter.

As president of Community Electric, Russ was honored to be selected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Electrical Contractors by a jury of the Fellows of the Academy, at their annual meeting in Pebble Beach, California. Formally installed in 1989, Russ is one of 220 electrical contractors selected nationwide to this most prestigious group.

In 1967, Russ entered a partnership building condos along the Marco River on Marco Island, Florida. Ville de Marco east 100 units, Ville De Marco West 72-unit complex.
He enjoyed the winter seasons at Ville De Marco East.

In 1986 Russ and Tom Dillon, along with 3 other investors developed The Sheraton Suites, a 209-room hotel and convention center along the Cuyahoga River. Opening in December of 1989, The Sheraton Suites was one of Russ's proudest accomplishments.

Preceded in death by his first wife, Mignnione (Mickie), his parents, Seward and Harriet Fesler, brother Eldred Fesler, and stepsons Jeffery Hale and Richard (Candy, surviving) Hale.

Russ is survived by his wife Nancy Hale Fesler; son, Larry Fesler; daughter
Sheila (Rick) Brownell; stepson Michael (Linda) Hale; grandchildren Bret (Sarah) and Eric Fesler, Devon (Ryan) Halleman, Bryce (Isa) Brownell, Jessica (Michael) Rauh, Kellie (Evan) Olson, Brittany (Brandon) Dodson, Justin (Kristin) Hale, Christine (Philip) Jones, Nicolette, Jonathan and Alex Hale; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on MONDAY, March 6, 2023 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Russ will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations in Russ’ name are suggested to Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation , P.O. Box 13805, Akron, OH 44334.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.