RUSSELL H. KERSHAW, SR. – Obituary
Russell H. Kershaw, Sr., 84, of Newfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home, Vineland, NJ, surrounded by family. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Russell and Florence (nee McClaskey) Kershaw. He was a graduate of Mastbaum Vocational Technical High School class of 1959.
Russ started a music career at the young age of 5 when he fractured his left arm just above the elbow playing double-decker football. For therapy, his parents bought him an accordion to help regain his range of motion and he quickly taught himself how to identify the sounds of the notes. This newfound talent earned him music lessons at age 6. At age 8, he was the youngest member of the Philadelphia Musicians Union. He joined the Harrowgate String Band in the early 50’s and marched down Broad St. until he and four buddies formed a combo called “The Mellow-Tones”. Russ was drafted by the Army into Vietnam in 1964 and served 2 years as a helicopter pilot. After being discharged he could no longer hear the sound of the notes so he left the combo permanently. Russ and Evelyn were married on June 18th, 1966 just 6 months after his return. He pursued his career as an electrician working for other people but that soon changed too. He started his business, Russ Kershaw Inc. in Philadelphia and was a Licensed Master Electrician for 52 years. Along side him, Evelyn ran the office while raising their 3 children. Russ was an avid Philadelphia sports fan following all the teams, especially the Eagles! He also became a part-time farmer in his spare time after moving out of the city to Newfield, NJ. He taught his kids how to farm the land and grew produce which they sold at a roadside stand. Russ spent a few years coaching his son’s soccer team for Franklin Twp. Youth Soccer Assoc. His hobbies included Lionel trains, antique cars and woodworking. Russ and Evelyn enjoyed many vacations and cruises through the years. They both enjoyed riding on their Honda Goldwing Trike with the Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc. and performing lots of charity work along the way. In their later years, they settled into enjoying their winters in Cape Coral, FL.
He is predeceased by his parents; Russell and Florence, sister; Phyllis, and brother; Wayne. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn (nee McCall) of 59 years, his daughters Karen Bair (Richard), Kerri Niemeyer (William), and son Russell Jr. (Jennifer), sister; Regina (nee Kershaw) Crego, Grandsons; William Russell Niemeyer, Raymond Howard Niemeyer, Russell Kahne Kershaw, Logan William Pennell & Trevor Austin Pennell. Nieces; Regina, Angelique, Donna and nephew; Melvin. Evelyn and her children would like to thank the nursing staff on Justice Court and all the care teams at the NJ Veterans Memorial Home who took care of Russ these last months.
Relatives and friends will be received at Pancoast Funeral Home, Vineland on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., where his funeral ceremony will begin at 12 noon. Burial will be private at a later date at the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery. If you would like to make a memorial contribution in our father’s name, they can be made out to NJ Veterans Memorial Home, 524 NW Blvd, Vineland, NJ 08360.