From Altmeyers Funeral Home:
Russell “Rusty” Joseph Jebbia, 71, of Wheeling, passed away on Friday, Feb 6, 2026.
He was born August 8, 1954 in Wheeling, WV & attended Linsly Military Institute, graduating with the Class of ‘73 & West Virginia University, graduating in 1978 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He began his 44 years of public service with the City of Wheeling in the Engineering Dept, before becoming Wheeling’s Assistant City Manager. He was then appointed as Public Works Director for the City, retiring in 2022.
He was a member of the Wheeling Lions Club, Jeep Jamboree USA & served on the Soldiers & Sailors Committee, as well as the Arthur Boreman Statue Committee for WV Independence Hall.
His passions were restoring vintage & military vehicles, especially Jeeps, & his garages are a testament to the art of perfection & his attention to detail. He loved music & concerts, especially Billy Joel, whom he had conversations with two nights in a row while sitting at the bar at Tin Pan Alley. Hawaii and Italy were always favorite destinations, but his coast-to-coast adventures via Jeep Jamboree USA & Camp Jeep were at the top of the list. He & Alex served as trail guides for many years, promoting Jeeps & the love of off-roading. He also enjoyed tracing & recording the Jebbia family genealogy.
Surviving family members include his beloved daughter & wife, Alex & Kathy, also his beloved Siberian Husky, Dakota Blu; a sister, Mary Seiber, all of Wheeling & sister-in-law Emily Jebbia, of Texas. Predeceasing him were his mother & father, Ella Parise & Russell Samuel Jebbia, his brother, John Louis Jebbia & brother-in-law Mick Seiber. Though there are many, special friends of note include Donnie Atkinson & Will Turani of Wheeling & Scott Werner of Pittsburgh; also the entire gang at Uncle Pete’s Restaurant, especially Crystal & Sabrina.
Arrangements are entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home – Elm Grove Chapel with Visitation at 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm on Friday the 20th, and 9:30-10:30 am on Saturday the 21st. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul, Elm Grove on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11 am.
Donations in his honor may be made to either the Ohio Co Animal Shelter, 7011 National Rd Triadelphia, WV 26059 or the Marshall Co Animal Shelter, 37 Animal Shelter Dr, Moundsville, WV 26041.
