Russell James Findlay

Russell James Findlay, 67, of Barrington, Illinois. ** Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is asked to be patient and abide by the number of visitors allowed inside the funeral home. Everyone is welcomed, but we ask that you keep your visit short so that all who wish to pay their respects will be able to do so. Please note that all visitors are required to wear face masks to enter the funeral home. ** Loving husband of Sheila Findlay, nee Churchill; devoted father of of Russell (Kim) Findlay Jr., James (Jaime) Findlay II, Sherell (Brian Lantz) Findlay, Adam (Gina) Findlay, Amanda (Scott) Unter and the late Joel Findlay; cherished grandfather of Brendon, Landon, Lindsey, Taylor, Jimmy, Ella, Kayla, Rhianna, Jaxon, Evelyn, Scott Jr., Colton, Wyatt and the late Timothy. Born in Harvey, IL to James & Gladys Findlay, Russ was raised in Louisville, KY. Throughout his life he always kept his Southern roots close to his heart. Russ graduated Moody Bible Institute in 1981 and quickly found his calling as a Shepard of the Lord when he and his wife, Sheila founded Celebration Fellowship in Naperville, IL out of their own home. Raising six beautiful children Russ often found himself playing the strong disciplinarian but at the end of the day he was just a big teddy bear as we have all come to know and love about him. Staying true to his southern roots, Russ had a passion for BBQ. That passion turned into a profession when he started Rusty’s Ribs On The Run in Naperville during the mid-80’s. Relocating his family to Barrington, IL in 1990 he expanded his restaurant empire to include Brother’s Ribs and multiple other ventures all thought out the country including the famous Hickory House in Aspen, CO. His passion for quality BBQ brought him to spark his competitive fire finding himself in competitions from London Ontario to Florida and almost every state in between. Taking home the coveted Pit Master awards numerous times. All thought out his life, Russ held one desire above all others, to bring people closer to his lord and savior Jesus Christ. Passing on his knowledge and having others grow closer to the lord and finding the salvation that he brought was his most admirable trait. Russ’ strong faith has shown throughout his life most recently in spending the past 15 years as an active parishioner of The Chapel in Lake Zurich. In lieu of flowers donation for the family are being accepted through their Go Fund Me Page Visitation will be Thursday, September 3rd from 3:00 P.M. till time of service at 7:00 P.M. at Morizzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2550 West Hassell Road, (Northeast corner of Barrington Road), Hoffman Estates, IL. 60169. Interment will be private at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington. For further information please contact the Morizzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 847.752.6444. The family has created a Life Tributes page; at MorizzoFuneralHome.com to share memories, photos and videos.

Russell James Findlay

April 30, 1953 - August 27, 2020