Vivian J. Russell

Vivian J. Russell, loving sister

Olean- Vivian J. Russell, 96, of Olean, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Absolut of Salamanca after a short illness with her loving sister by her side.

Born in Bradford, PA, on October 16, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Phillip Sr. and Laura Lacavera Persichini. On September 1, 1962, she married Robert J. Russell in St. Mary of the Angels Church; he predeceased her on November 23, 2009.

Vivian graduated from Bradford High School in 1949. She worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken and as a cashier at Tops for almost 20 years. Vivian was a member of St. Mary of the Angels Church. She enjoyed making trips to the Seneca Casino.

Vivian is survived by a sister, Sandra Eaton, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her parents, Phillip Sr. and Laura; a son, Thomas Russell; her godchild, Cheri Blaske, who was like a daughter to the couple; her sisters, Gloria Owens, Betty Anderson, and brothers, Phillip Jr., Eugene, and Gerald Persichini.

A private burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with a memorial service for Vivian to be held at a future date and time to be announced.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Vivian’s family would like to thank the staff at the Absolut for the excellent care she received while there.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com