Russell Mathew Polizzi, age 60, of Meadow Dr., Erie, PA, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, from complications of Liposarcoma: a rare cancer diagnosed in July 2022. He was the devoted partner of 29 years to the love of his life, Nancy S. Makay who was by his side holding his hand when he passed away. Born on June 8, 1964, in Jamestown, NY to the late Russell S. and Annette M. Polizzi, Russ was a curious, entertaining and knowledge-seeking individual. He had a gift for making people laugh and listen to him speak. He had an ability to impersonate individuals with uncanny skill. He attended the Jamestown public school system graduating in 1982 and attending Jamestown Community College, WCA Hospital’s Advanced Emergency Medical technician program, where he was employed from 1986 to 1995 in the emergency department. Later, he would attend SUNY at Fredonia and Gannon University, Erie, PA where he would graduate with honors from Gannon’s first Occupational Therapy program. As a Registered and licensed Occupational therapist, Russ was employed in Erie, first in long term care for 10 years and later for Millcreek Community Hospital/LECOM Health systems. Russ was known for providing fun in a workplace so practical jokes and antics were his thing. He managed and oversaw the transitional care unit and later the acute care floors. To him, this was his true calling. He had such a passion for acute care and would be involved in educating resident physicians, nurses and students on the importance of therapy and needed movement. He was the first to advocate for therapists to be part of the treatment program during the initial COVID pandemic, despite being frightened and on his own and having parents in a nursing home and his fiancée at home with ongoing Multiple Sclerosis. In 2007, he was approached by an independent filmmaker who questioned him about his knowledge of dementia, hip fracture therapy in the long-term process and of long-term care in general. This filmmaker asked him to take a journey and would grant him the title of technical advisor in his film. In addition, Russ acted it the film as a therapist and assisted with writing scenes. The film is called SCHISM by Lyons den productions and is still available to this day to buy or rent. A true entertainer since a child, Russ had an interest in magic since 6 years old and seeking out magic books and reading them was his passion. His father and uncle would take him to Buffalo, NY where he would meet magicians in a magic shop. By 13 years old, he gave his first show to a school class. By age 15 he was preforming all over Jamestown, NY for private birthday parties. He specialized in comedy platform/parlor and close up magic. He would charge his clients $35 only to offer his money back to his parents. One company hired him through an entertainment agent for their event and was shocked that he was a teenager and almost cancelled. After the show, they gave him an extra $100 saying that he was the best they had ever witnessed. As an adult, he would eventually perform only for private events and was a headliner for the former Magic Parlour in Jamestown and a regular performer at the Maplehurst Country club. After college, he was booked to perform in NY and PA at various events and later left performing to focus his time and care to Nancy with her needs from multiple sclerosis. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of magicians, the worlds largest magic organization. He was affiliated with Ring #2 of Youngstown, OH. he often performed and billed himself as “Russell Raven” or “the Raven, his alias. He was intrigued and obsessed by this intelligent bird. Russ collaborated with several known magicians around the world and has had several of his own creations published in leading magic publications. He would still practice daily, write new material for the stage and a deck of cards was always by his side. Russ’ greatest joy was meeting Nancy. Together, they built a life of focusing on each other. Despite many obstacles along their way, they both refused to allow anything to stop them. With full determination they took that wheelchair to Canada, Bermuda, Rome, Greece, Vegas, Sicily and Turkey. His other hobbies included bird watching and flower gardening. He would propagate oregano plants yearly from the very seeds that his grandfather brought from Sicily in the early century as his father did before him. Proud of his Sicilian heritage, he loved to cook. He was a member of the SONS of Lake Erie and fishing is his past years became a passion. Together, Nancy and Russ would fish the shorelines and enjoy the beauty of the lake. In the summer, he loved being on a boat miles out in 2 -3 foot waves. His new found friends just called him ‘raven’. His love for this was his therapy.
Aside from his beloved Nancy, survivors include a brother, Anthony V. Polizzi (Donna) of FL, one aunt, six nieces, seven nephews and a special mother-in-law, Susanne Makay and his sister-in-law Shelly Bender (Kelly) and many cousins survive. A huge thank you to Alan Mortellaro; friend and ultimate caregiver, and Dr. Dominic Sciamanda, Erie, PA., and “Kat” of Heartland Hospice.
Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services at West Ridge 3801 West 26th St., On Tuesday, September 3rd, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Girard Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Send condolences at www.burtonquinnscott.com
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