Craig J. Russell

A live stream will be available starting at 9:45AM on Tuesday, May 27th. To access, please click the following link at that time: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25053947745523

Craig Russell, 60, of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully on May 19th,2025 after a long and courageous battle with ALS.

Born and raised in Carmi, Illinois, Craig was someone who never met a stranger. Known for his magnetic personality and infectious smile, he began bodybuilding at the age of 12 and went on to excel in sports including wrestling, basketball, football, and track and field. His love for storytelling, quick wit, and joyful spirit brought laughter and light to those around him throughout his life. He often said he had “the perfect childhood” and carried that sense of joy and gratitude into adulthood.

Craig earned his degree in Safety Engineering from Murray State University. His professional journey took him across the country, with roles at Hostess, Briggs & Stratton, and eventually Travelers Insurance, where he served as Director of Regulatory Compliance. He had relocated to Massachusetts 30 years ago and remained with Travelers until ALS made it impossible for him to continue working.

Craig was preceded in death by his loving parents, Robert and Diana Russell, whom he often described as “the best parents anyone could have.” He is survived by his partner of eight years, Irene Mikitarian, as well as her daughters, Courtney Carpenter and Nicole (Stephen) Fisher, and their son Jackson, with whom Craig shared a special bond. He also leaves behind his brother Mitchell, aunts Judy and Tracy, and many cousins.

Craig was deeply grateful to the many friends who stayed in touch over the years , especially during the time when ALS left him housebound and isolated. Their messages, photos, and visits brought him tremendous joy. Though he couldn’t make it back to Carmi for events like Corn Day, Dairy Day, or the White County Fair, he remained closely connected to his hometown in heart and spirit. Receiving pictures and even DiMaggio’s pizza by mail reminded him of the place he loved so deeply.

Craig wanted to thank the many caregivers who became like family to him. Their love, dedication, and compassion carried him through his most difficult days. They weren’t just caregivers, they were part of his fight, his joy, and his strength. Craig’s favorite hobby was eBay shopping for things he “had to have,” and without his caregivers’ help, he would have lost that beloved pastime. He also cherished artwork, cars, his movie collection, and shopping for enough clothes to open a store.

Craig often reflected on the many times he felt God had saved him: surviving Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever as a child, a football injury that left him temporarily paralyzed, a rockslide in Colorado, and even being electrocuted by a wire on an oil pumping unit. He dreamed of beating ALS so he could share God’s glory more widely, but in the end, he accepted that God had other plans.

A visitation will be held at Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St, Worcester, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27th, followed by a small service at 11 a.m. Burial will immediately follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Craig’s memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS), PO BOX 1052, West Falmouth MA 02574 or to www.ccals.org an organization that provided immeasurable support throughout Craig’s journey with ALS.