J. Russell Noga

September 20, 1943 to April 26, 2020

J. Russell Noga, FD, 76, of Edinburg passed away the morning of April 26, 2020, at his residence. Russell was born on Sept. 20, 1943, in New Castle. He was a son of the late John J. and Michaeline (Kwolek) Noga. Russell married the former Emma Lou Stewart, and she survives at home. They were married for 54 years. Russell was of the Roman Catholic faith. He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Mary site.

Mr. Noga was a graduate of Neshannock High School, class of 1961. He continued his education by attending Youngstown State University, earning an associate's degree. Before starting in the family business, he graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1966. Russell retired after 53 years of service as a funeral director and owner and operator of the Noga Funeral Home Inc. As a third generation funeral director, he was thankful to have worked with his grandfather (Joseph R. Noga), father (John J. Noga), uncle (Frank Noga) and sons (Dr. Joseph M. Noga and Russell S. Noga) as funeral directors, and was proud that the business was celebrating its 100th anniversary this fall.

Russell was also the founder and owner along with his wife of the Noga Ambulance Service Inc., starting the business in 1979 until their retirement in 2012, serving the community for 41 years. Mr. Noga also was elected in 1984 as Lawrence County Coroner, serving the county for 17 years before retiring.

Russell was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting in the mountains of Pennsylvania. But he loved going out west with his wife and friends, elk and mule deer hunting. He loved fishing, and spent many weekends on Lake Erie fishing for walleye. He enjoyed his work and the time he spent with families he served, but his love for his grandchildren and family will be dearly missed by all.

In addition to his wife, Emma Lou, survivors include his two sons, Dr. Joseph M. (Courtney) Noga and Russell S. (Anne) Noga, both of New Castle; his sister, Rita (Frank) Ruscetti of Pittsburgh; eight grandchildren, Alexis R. Noga, Chase A. Noga, Christopher M. Noga, Aidan C. Noga, Elena A. Noga, DeLaney E. Calvert, Joseph C. Noga and Piper E. Noga; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Noga was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Christopher J. Noga. A private Blessing Service for immediate family will be held this week at the Noga Funeral Home Inc., 1142 S. Mill St., New Castle. Deacon Dan Kielar of Holy Spirit Parish, Mary, Mother of Hope site will officiate. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date. Burial will be in Madonna Cemetery.

Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our pleading. Give Russell eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever. Let us find in your Son comfort in our sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour. Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord.  Amen.