John was born in Connelsville Pennsylvania in 1913.  But the majority of his life he lived on the northside, graduating from Allegheny High School in 1932.  He was a true northsider, from playing football with the inmates at the Western Penitentiary, to buying bricks for a nickel to help build Allegheny General Hospital in the 1930's, to working for the city in WPA, cindering the streets of Pittsburgh.

In 1958 John Russell purchased this company from Lee Robinsons wife after Lee, his boss passed away.  And there began Russell Rolls, located on Behan Street in the northside.  In 1963 John relocated his business to Preble Avenue, still keeping his roots in the northside.  It became a family run business with loyal employees of 15 years or more.  Business was good, and our reputation for good quality and efficient service kept our customers coming back year after year.

In March of 2010 we were dealt a blow with the death of our founder, John F. Russell.  Russell Rolls will continue to be a family owned business, with his daughter Yvonne, and the addition of a third generation, his granddaughter Leslie.  John would be pleased to see this family continuing the business.  "Cheers!"