Russell Van Atta Jr., age 71, of Hartville, Ohio (for the past 4 years), formerly of Vernon, New Jersey (for 32 years), passed away on Wednesday February 15, 2012. Born on May 11, 1940 in St. Petersburg, Florida to the late Russell and Helen (DePue) Van Atta, he graduated from Franklin High School in New Jersey. Russ was an Army Veteran. He retired as a teacher of Industrial Arts from Butler High School in New Jersey after 23 years of service. He enjoyed spending time with family especially his grandchildren's activities, fishing and Eagle watching. Survived by his wife of 49 years, Claire (Beierle); sons and daughters-in-law, Garrett and Lee-Ann of Maine, Eric and Tamara of Washington; daughter and son-in-law Michele and Mike Minor of Hartville; grandchildren Mariel and Carolyn, Tony, and Samantha, Zachary and Sydney; and sisters Betty Jane (Herb) Groff of Washington and Awilda Vanderpile of New Jersey. Preceded in death by sister Geraldine Parks. Funeral services are Friday Feb 24th at 11:00 AM at Frankford Plains United Methodist Church in Augusta, New Jersey with Rev. David Tillisch officiating. Final resting place is Frankford Plains Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association. Arnold 330-877-9364 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com