Russell Francis Dwyer, Jr.

At 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 12, 2010 in Kershaw, S.C., Russell Francis Dwyer, Jr. lost his battle with cancer at his home. He was 45 years old.

Russell was born on October 9, 1964, in Brooklyn, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell Francis, Sr., and Jospehine Carmella Chiaracane Dwyer; and a daughter, Virginia Elizabeth Dwyer.

He is survived by nine children; Kristina, Jessica, Vanessa, Taylor, Russell, Matthew, Victoria, Veronica and Nicholas. He leaves behind a wife, Ann Marie T. Dwyer; a sister, Donna Dwyer; and a grandson, Jayden Thomas.

Russell leaves behind a legacy of teamwork. From playing baseball for the AAA Minnesota Twins Farm to retail management, Russell knew the value of being part of something bigger than himself. His charity work across South Carolina touched the lives of many, who will mourn his loss.

A wake will celebrate Russell's life on Friday, May 14, 2010, at his home in Kershaw, S.C. His ashes will be interred with his parents on Staten Island, NY. A memorial stone will be placed beside his daughter, Virginia in the Buffalo Baptist Church Cemetery in Kershaw, S.C.

In lieu of flowers, Russell asked donations be made to the Autism Research Foundation, c/o Moss-Rosene Lab, W701, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118 in search for a cure for his three autistic children. Russell asked that all who knew him plant a tree with a child to celebrate his life, so each may have a reminder of how important life is.