Obituary of Russell C. Earnest

Russell C. Earnest passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of February 27. He is survived by his twin sister, Rita, and her children, Ally, Mike, and Chris; his nephew Joey and Joey's wife, Melissa and their 3 children Hannah, Ellie and JayJay; and his loving partner, Jeff Van Schenk Brill, who had the privilege of sharing 26 wonderful years with him. Russ was born in 1964 and raised on a farm in Bridgeton, New Jersey, by his parents, Wilbert and Rose-Marie Ernest. He grew up with his older brother Wilbert, his sister Marie, and his twin sister Rita. Growing up on the farm helped shape his strong work ethic and adventurous spirit. He developed a passion for horses and cars at a young age, and getting his first beautiful car was one of his earliest passions. Russ was the most driven, respected, and deeply loved person I have ever met. Every day we laughed and lived life to the fullest. His light was so brilliant that it warmed everything around him. His dedication to his work was evident in the respect he earned from all of his colleagues. As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Russ was highly regarded in his field. He was asked to lead the spinal team and had recently been appointed Director of Anesthesia at Wilmington Hospital. He had a special way of bringing people together and making everyone around him feel valued and cared for. I had the joy and privilege of working alongside him and seeing him every day. His presence will be deeply missed there for a long time. The home we built together was our sanctuary—a place that protected us from the stressors of the world. The beauty and sense of safety he brought to my life cannot truly be put into words. I still remember the first time I met him as if it were yesterday: the most beautiful man I had ever seen, dancing with me at an after-hours club, melting my heart with that radiant smile that only comes from someone with such intelligence and such a big heart. He was the last great love of my life. A celebration of Russ's life will be held at our home on May 2, 2026. Please inquire for details by emailing Jeffvsb@aol.com. Guests should be prepared to be barked at first—and then quickly licked—by our five beloved dachshunds. Online condolences may be shared at www.paganofuneralhome.com.