Russell Armand Poia

Russell Armand Poia, born August 27th, 1940, passed away December 22nd, 2025, in Tempe, AZ at the age of 85, ending his long battle of kidney failure. Russ was born in Chicago, IL in 1940 to Oreste Poia and Myrtle (Norberg) Poia. Russ's father deceased in 1951 and this same year he welcomed his brother, Terry Poia. He attended Chicago Vocational School, where he studied aviation and auto mechanics. Upon graduation, American Airlines (AA) offered him a mechanic position based in Chicago. Russ was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge in 1965, he returned to his career at AA. Russ married Sandee (Holland) on March 2nd, 1972 in Chicago, IL, and in 1973 was transferred to Phoenix, AZ - settling in Tempe, AZ where they had their only child, Angela Marie.

In addition to a career at AA, Russ was a pit crew mechanic for Indy race cars, traveling to races around the U.S. - including the Indianapolis 500. Although he retired from the pit crew, his love of racing continued. He cherished Sunday family dinners, genealogy, loved Polynesian culture, world history, military history, Pullman history, music, and language. Russ enjoyed being in the moment enjoying the people he was with, food, beer or wine, music, and laughter.

Russ is preceded in death by his father, Oreste Poia, his mother, Myrtle Poia (Norberg), and his nephew, Brian Luebke. He is survived by his wife, Sandee Poia (Holland), his daughter, Angela Marie Poia, his brother, Terry Poia, his sister-in-law, Catherine Poia, and sister, Mary-Lou Schick. Along with numerous beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A private Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 7th, 2026, for beloved family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Russell Poia’s name may be made to Hospice of the Valley.