Russell Merritt Upton

Russell Merritt Upton, 88, of Scottsdale Arizona passed away on February 4, 2021 at McDowell Village Assisted Living, Scottsdale Arizona. He was born on June 4, 1932, the son of Charles and Helen (Merritt) Upton in Canaan Connecticut. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor Wingett Upton, sons Jeffrey and Bradley, and his brother James of Maryland. He served stateside in the US Army and was honorably discharged. He met Eleanor Wingett, the love of his life, and they married in 1957. Tired of the cold weather and snow of the east they moved to Scottsdale Arizona in 1959. Russ was a radio DJ at KPOK, a radio station located in the Safari Hotel. Later he moved to a television job at KTVK as a reporter, game show host, and later a news anchor. After leaving KTVK he started working as a tax preparer eventually starting his own business in tax preparation. He retired in 2018 much to the sadness of his loyal clients. During the off season, he and Eleanor took many cross-country trips on his Suzuki Cavalcade through all states in the continental United States including Alaska. They also travelled internationally. There was a motorcycle tour of the European Alps, and trips to Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. He had a love of 1957 Lincoln Continental Mark II cars. He owned two which he took to Lincoln car shows and bought a parts business for Mark II cars. A celebration of his life will be held in the future. Richardson Funeral Home, Tempe, Arizona is compassionately serving the Upton family.

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