Russell V. McCardle

This obituary was lovingly submitted by the family of Russell V. McCardle.

Russell V. McCardle, age 97, passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 17, 2026. He was born on November 1, 1928, in Ickesburg, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased in death by his father, Van S. McCardle and his mother, Catherine F. Reisninger. Russell was married to his first wife, Mary Jane Hammon for 55 years and together, they enjoyed a fruitful life and had three wonderful children, Mary Jane McCardle (Jerry Ammons, Deceased) of Grass Valley, California, Van R. McCardle (Cheryl M. Scovitch McCardle) of Clayton, North Carolina, and Lynn R. McCardle (Lisa M. Maumary McCardle) of Columbia, Maryland. His wife predeceased him in death as well.

After graduating from Strasburg High School in Strasburg, Virginia, in 1945, he married Mary Jane and enlisted in the United States Army Airforce (USAAF) in 1946, where he served in the Pacific Theatre (Japan). He completed his tour of duty and was honorably discharged in 1949. Afterwards, he returned to Strasburg, Virginia where he lived with Mary Jane at the family farm.

Eventually, he secured a job with the Armed Services Security Group at Arlington Hall in Arlington, Virginia. During this period, he attended and pursued classes through the Foreign Service curriculum at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Later, the NSA evolved out of the ASSG and relocated to Ft. Meade, Maryland, and he moved his family to Laurel, Maryland. He remained employed in this capacity and retired from NSA in 1980. After retirement, he became bored and completed a series of classes in construction management at the local community college. He secured his business license and became the sole proprietor of McCardle Construction, a position which he held for approximately 13 years.

After he retired from McCardle Construction, he enjoyed travelling and spending time with Mary Jane, his adult children, grandchildren (7), great grandchildren (4), and great great grandchildren (12). He was also an adamant reader of everything one could think of, especially international affairs. He enjoyed bowling duck pin and was a valued team member of the “Wednesday Sunsetters” at the Laurel Bowling Alley where they achieved more than several records and many awards.

Russell married his second wife, Apipawadee Wannasang, in 2015. Apipawadee, also known as “Penn” is a seasoned chef and restaurant entrepreneur in the “Thai” cuisine. Her skills in this profession are unmatched and Russell thoroughly enjoyed the food she prepared for him each and every day. Together, they enjoyed the simple things in life. She was his Guardian Angel at the end of his life and is truly a special person.

He will be sincerely missed by all who knew him.

Service will be held in the Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. Chapel on September 28, 2026. a visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, with a funeral service to follow beginning at 12:30pm. Internment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland, at 2:30 p.m.