Russell Gilbert Shugg, 79, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born July 21, 1946, in Ypsilanti, MI, Russell graduated from Ypsilanti High School before serving in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate on the USS Fulton. While stationed in New London, CT, he met Mary Ellen Uznanski, and they were married on February 1, 1969.

During his time in the Navy, Russ earned a special classification as a Navy Rescue Swimmer. In that role, he would jump 80 feet from ships or deploy from helicopters to provide aid and rescue to his shipmates and others in danger.

Russ is survived by his children, Christopher (Julie) Shugg, Katie (Adam) Stuber, and Brad (Melissa) Shugg. He was incredibly proud of and deeply loved his many grandchildren - Caleb, Samuel, Mark Jr., Chris (Cyndi), Ashley, Gabe (Natalia), Emily (Mathias), Ethan, Rue, Rubi (Courtney), Zoey, and Lexi - and his great-grandchildren, Spencer, Sydney, Sadie, Adelyn, Everett, Finn, and Ezra. He is also survived by his brothers, Greg (Kim) Shugg and Mark (Cheryl) Shugg; his brother-in-law, Robert Binkowski; sister-in-law, Maureen Shugg; and a special niece, Kristin Binkowski. He will be missed by his special, special canine friends, Oliver and Rexie, who rarely left his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Elizabeth (Barber) Shugg; his wife of over 40 years, Mary Ellen; and his sister, Sharon (Shugg) Binkowski.

A talented machinist, Russ could build or fix just about anything - a skill he used throughout his 40+ year career at Ford Motor Company and in running his own machine shop. He was incredibly generous, always willing to help family, friends, or anyone who needed it. He loved telling stories and was generous to a fault. In his later years, he found peace in nature.

The family is grateful to the care teams at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, especially the Hematology/Oncology team led by Dr. Chen and nurse Dana Carelli. Many thanks to Janet and Shannon of Heartland Hospice for the kindness and support they provided in his final months.

In accordance with his wishes, Russell will be cremated and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.