Russell Joseph Talerico passed peacefully at his home in Fairmont, West Virginia on June 7 ^th , 2021. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Russell was born on October 18 ^th , 1956 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was the son of the late Frank and Rose Talerico of Hepzibah. He was among the first graduating class of Victory High School in 1974. In 1980, he graduated from Fairmont State College with an Associate in Criminal Justice. It was around this time when he met the love of his life, Denise, with whom he would share 39 years of marriage and raise three children.

On July 1 ^st , 1981, Russell began his career as a police officer with the Fairmont Police Department. He graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy with the 40 ^th Basic Police Class that same year. He went on to have a distinguished and fulfilling career in law enforcement. In 1991 he was assigned to the Mon Valley Drug Task Force. He received special deputization from the FBI as an investigator in federal cases and served on the task force until 1996. Afterwards, he continued to serve in the Detective Division. As a detective, he helped solve many note-worthy cases including federal RICO drug cases. After 23 years of service to his community, he retired as the Lead Detective of the Fairmont Police Department.

While in retirement, Russell discovered his passion for entrepreneurship. In 2010 he and his wife, Denise, founded their successful private security business, Talerico Security. He cherished his employees and treated them as if they were his extended family.

Russell had a larger-than-life personality and was loved by everyone who knew him. He was proud of his Italian heritage and was passionate about instilling old-time traditions and values upon his children. He was well known for his Pasta Sundays, meatballs, canned peppers, and other Italian dishes. All were welcome in his home and he didn't allow anyone to leave hungry. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He lived for weekends at his fishing camp in Elkins, surrounded by family and friends. He had countless hobbies and interests. From RC cars to gardening, he always found something to be passionate about. He was a die-hard Mountaineer and Steelers fan and often coached his children's sports teams. Russell considered being a husband, father and "Goopa" as his greatest achievements in life. He loved his family above all else.

Russell was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, FOP Lodge 69 and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife, Denise Talerico; his children, Andrea and JP Audia of Morgantown; Meredith Talerico and significant other Bobby Davis of Fairmont; Salvatore Talerico of Fairmont; and grandchildren Parker, Emma, Franco, and Vinny (expecting).

Russel is also survived by his brothers, Samuel and Francis "Cookie" Talerico of Morgantown and David Talerico of Hepzibah; nephews and nieces, Randy and Denise Talerico, Terry Talerico, Tina Iquinto, Jamie and Tina Talerico and Jessica and Chuck Meatherall; their children Ava, Anna, Giatta, Jackson, Davis, Owen and Everette; and his cousin Saundra Spatafore.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The funeral will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. with Father Casey Mahone officiating. Interment will follow at Martin Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.