John P. Russ

John Phillip Russ, 55, of Salisbury, passed away on November 29, 2025. Born on November 20, 1970, at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he was the son of Janice Marshall Elliott and the late Phillip Lee Russ.

John grew up in Cambridge, where he graduated with the class of 1988 from Cambridge South Dorchester High School. A natural leader, he helped captain both the football and baseball teams and served as class president. In June 1992, he proudly graduated from Parris Island and began his service as a United States Marine—a role that shaped his life with honor, discipline, and devotion to country. He was formally awarded for his distinguished actions during his deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and aboard the USCGC Chandeleur during operation Able Vigil.

On October 24, 1992, John married the love of his life, Nacole Nute. Together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and faith. John was deeply proud of his children, and cherished every moment spent with them.

Professionally, John dedicated himself to the Whayland Company, where he served as Vice President of Operations. Outside of work, he found joy in the outdoors—whether hunting, fishing, or enjoying family trips to the Outer Banks.

Faith and community were central to John’s life. He was an active member of Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, serving on the security team and participating in the Brown’s small group, affectionately known as BSG. He also gave back through his involvement with American Legion Post 64, the Marine Corps League, and the Toys for Tots Foundation, where his generosity touched countless lives.

John is survived by his wife of 33 years, Nacole Russ, daughter Rachel Dean (Alex), son Cole Russ, mother Janice Elliott, sister Carol Lee Russ, mother-in-law Frances Nute, nephew Axel Peterson, niece Emilee Peterson, aunt and uncle Jeannie and Barry Groves, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, his father-in-law Austin Nute, and his maternal grandparents John and Betty Marshall.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury, with Pastor Mark Bunting officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neuromuscular Disease Foundation at www.curegnem.org and The Toys for Tots Foundation at www.toysfortots.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.