Dr. Russell F. Cecala, 55, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital following complications from surgery.
Dr. Cecala was the son of Jerry and Carol Cecala of Ocala, Fla. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and spent most of his youth there, but was most recently a resident of Terra Alta.
Dr. Cecala was a teacher, coach and mentor to many. A kind and generous man, he frequently spent his own money on registration fees and uniforms for those students who couldn’t afford to pay. While he was principal of Terra Alta East Preston School, he commissioned the librarian to find each child in the school a book that had that child’s correct Lexile level and interest category, then he funded the purchase of the books from his own pocket, and gave them as Christmas gifts.
Dr. Cecala was an active member of the Terra Alta Lions Club and started a Leo Club auxiliary for the students at the school. Russ was a Star Trek fan, a Buffalo Bills fan and anything soccer or hockey fan. Over the years, he coached teams in Georgia and West Virginia, from elementary to high school.
Besides his parents, Dr. Cecala is survived by his brother, David (Diane) Cecala, of Knoxville, Tenn.; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Private services will be conducted in Florida at a later date.
Those wishing to remember Russell may donate to the Kilo Diabetes and Vascular Research Foundation, 12414 Clayton Road, Saint Louis, MO 63131, or at kilorf.com/donation.html.
