Russell Lee Del Utz, 53, of San Jacinto and Riverside California, passed away on March 12, 2023.

Russ was a loving husband, father of two and a pillar in the San Jacinto Valley, his sole purpose in life was to help others. Russ was primarily a DJ for the first working years of his life and that is how he met his wife, Athena; they met at work and shared a wonderful and busy 34 years together which included raising a family, moving to the valley and being very active in the community. He will be remembered most for his sense of humor, emcee and DJ skills, wealth of knowledge and how things work, love of the community, his family, goats and tacos. He has touched many lives and will be missed dearly. His family hopes he is reunited with his mother and many friends who preceeded his trip to heaven.

A celebration of life will be held March 31st, 2023, at 4:00pm at Ramona Event Center (42151 E Florida Ave, Hemet Ca, 92544. Arrangements for this service are being handled by some of the great friends Russ has gained living in the San Jacinto Valley.

Russ was born in Orange California on August 30, 1969, He graduated from Arlington Highschool in Riverside California in 1987 and took a break from school for 3 years until going to college with Athena in 1990. He graduated from California State University San Bernardino with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Russ tried working within his degree of expertise for a year or so and was a group home supervisor. During this time, he helped a friend build computers, and that friend's boss turned him onto sales and especially selling items online. He had a successful online business for 23 years. Russ found his true calling in sales where he was a natural and he loved the challenge of making profits and controlling expenses. He continued his love of sales by working at the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce as the business development coordinator This job also led to his other love of helping people. He was a true community servant starting with becoming PTA president while his children were in school. Russ served on several boards including: Habitat for Humanity, San Jacinto Lions, Ramona Bowl, San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce and ARE. Russ also was involved in helping his city become a better place by serving on the Measure V Committee, The Planning Commision and City Council. One of his proudest years was when he had the opportunity to be Mayor and represent the city at events and out of town meetings to bring business and services to the city. Russ was also the recipient of numerous service awards including a Melvin Jones award while in Lions which he treasured.

Russ did not have a lot of time for hobbies but when he did, he enjoyed smoking meats, travel, guinea pig husbandry, and spending every waking moment making his wife happy.

Russ is survived by his wife Athena Utz, his sister Tammy Rackleff, his brother Mikey Utz, his children Sloan Utz and Linda Utz, his stepfather Don Crabtree, and other assorted family and caring friends.

Russ is preceded in death by his mother Linda Crabtree, his father Russell Utz Sr, and many good friends that he missed terribly.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Veterans Mobility Projects