Russel D. Poma

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died March 14, 2022

Russel D. Poma, age 68, of Rapid River, died on March 14, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Russ was born on January 15, 1954 in Trenton, MI, the son of Russel and Elaine (Ericksen) Poma. He was united in marriage to Mary K. Martin on June 14, 1975 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River.

Russ enlisted in the Navy in December, 1972. He was stationed in San Diego, CA on the sub tender U.S.S. Dixon. He operated and maintained small boats diesels, the emergency diesel generator, auxiliary pumps, filters and associated valves and piping. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1976.

Russ was very active in the Rapid River community. He was on the fire department for 40 plus years, was a first responder and also served as fire chief. He served on the Masonville Township Board for many years.

Russ was a bricklayer/contractor by trade and worked on many of the commercial and residential buildings in the area. He worked on Union jobs until about 1990 when he started Poma’s Masonry. He was known for his beautiful stone and brick fireplaces and always took pride in his work.

He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed spending time with his family at his camp in Ogontz. He was a proud grandfather. His grandchildren meant the world to him.

In addition to his loving wife, Mary, Russ is survived by:
2 Sons: Robert (Kristina) Poma
Richard (Katie) Poma
4 Grandchildren: Jae, Julia, Alexander and Gwenyth Poma all of Rapid River.
Mother: Elaine Poma of Rapid River, MI
Mother-in-law: Alta Martin of Rapid River, MI
Brother: Mike (Ev) Poma of Milwaukee, WI
3 Sisters: Cheryl Poma of Rapid River, MI
Karen (Frank) Maggart of Rapid River, MI
Mary Rose (Dan) Andrews of Panama City Beach, FL
Cousin: Keith (Kitty) Picord of Escanaba, MI
Sister-in-law: Patty (Rick) DeGrave of Rapid River, MI
And numerous Nieces and Nephews
Special Friends: Michele Cunningham of Rapid River, MI
Mike (Ida) Cunningham of Stockholm, Sweden
Joanna (Derek) McCarty of DePere, WI
Kim Hauser of Ann Arbor, MI

In addition to his Father, Russ was preceded in death by his Father-in-Law, Robert Martin.

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rev. Fr. Rick Courier will officiate a prayer service at 4:00 PM. The visitation will resume until 6:00 PM with the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 presenting military honors. Russel will be laid to rest in the Spring at the Rapid River Cemetery.

13 Tributes for “Russel D. Poma”

    We are so saddened to learn of Russ’s passing! We admired his dedication to family & community. We are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. God’s blessings to you !

    We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Russ. He truly was a generous person within the township. He had served for many years on the township fire department and on the township board. Russ was a true friend of the township and displayed that whenever he could help in whatever way was needed. Our condolences go out to the family.

    I have known Russ since high school and you would be hard pressed to find a nicer guy.Every time we bumped into each over the years he would always ask how you were doing. Many time Russ would give his advise if you were working on a job thay involved his trade. He was one of those guys you don’t see all the time but would consider a good friend. My condolances to the family.

    I’m at a loss for words. We all loved him dearly. I’ve admired him my entire life. He was the best example of a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and community member. He is leaving behind memories that will bring smiles to our hearts for as long as we live. He set an example for the rest of us on how to live with a solid heart. I will never forget the childhood memories. I hope he knew how much the love and laughs were cherished way back then. My heart is with you all. I’m extremely sorry for your loss.

    Mary and family,
    We were so sorry to hear about Russ. He was such a trooper for all he had endured. And you and your family were right there by his side, Mary. May you bask in the memories of your wonderful family time with him. He will always be with each of you in your hearts. Take care of yourselves and help each other.

    Russ and his boys did most of our masonry and cement work. He was a perfectionist and it showed in his work. I so enjoyed visiting with him. He was kind, generous and thoughtful, and he passed those traits on to his kids. We will miss his sweet smile. My condolences to his family.

    So very sorry for your loss . Russ was an exceptional man with a big heart for his community but most of all for his family. May your memories warm your hearts at this difficult time . Sending thoughts and prayers to you all.

    was sorry to hear of russ’s passing. he did a lot of cement work for our buildings. hopefully time will help heal your sorrow.

    Mike and I just heard from Mary of Russ’s passing. We met Russ while he and Mike were on board the USS Dixon and have remained long distance friends for life. He was an amazing man. We shared so many good times together while being away from home. We r better people by knowing Russ. Forever in our hearts. Love to Mary. Love the Hilleshiem’s

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