Russell Allen DeVilbiss

Russell Allen DeVilbiss, age 76 of Centreville, Maryland, passed away on August 22, 2024 at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton after a long struggle with diabetes and complications from a fall. Russell was born on April 6, 1948 in Blue Island, Illinois to Kenneth and Betty DeVilbiss, and was the eldest of two sons. He graduated in 1966 from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. Russell received his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1970 from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. At Augustana, he met his future wife, Vickie Ryberg. They married in 1972 and would raise three sons together. After briefly serving as a high school band director in Iowa, Russell enlisted in the United States Navy, relocating to Annapolis, Maryland and joining the Naval Academy Band as an oboist. In his more than 20 years of service as a military musician, he performed internationally, directed the academy’s Ceremonial Band, and achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer due to his vital management of the large wind ensemble’s preparation and travel logistics. Following his retirement from the Navy in the mid-1990s, Russell worked in a variety of information technology and office support positions, most recently with the Betts & Holt Law Practice in Washington, DC. His lifelong passion for music never stopped, and he continued directing and performing in local ensembles in his retirement years before moving to Centreville. Russell was a proud veteran with an inherent belief in service and hard work. He reveled in both the arts and information. He was an avid and voracious reader, a record collector, a classic film buff, and a sports fan. Russell enjoyed visiting historic sites, museums, and cultural attractions when he traveled. An astute armchair observer of both television and life, his stoic demeanor belied a quick wit backed by a wealth of wisdom. Russell was a devoted husband to Vickie for more than 50 years, always putting the needs of family above his own. He was a dedicated father, a man of honesty, humor, and humility who gave his three sons a steady, daily example of how to be honorable and respectful men. He was a proud, joyous, and attentive grandfather. He will be missed. He is survived by his wife Vickie; two sons, Andrew and Chad; two daughters-in-law, Andrea and Cheryl; two grandsons, Miles and Sven; one brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Gail. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian. Burial will be private. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to: Maryland Therapeutic Riding 1141 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032 https://www.horsesthatheal.org/volunteer-at-mtr/how-to-get-involved/ American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift

Russell Allen DeVilbiss

April 6, 1948 - August 23, 2024