Russell Angelo Bova, 70, of Westfield passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday, September 13, 2026 after a brief illness.
Russ was born in Westfield on September 14, 1955 to Angelo J. Bova and Elizabeth J. Falsone. He attended Westfield Academy and Central School and Jamestown Community College before earning his Bachelor's degree in music from SUNY Fredonia in 1979. In 1980, Russell married his sweetheart, Suzanne M. Kujawa, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. A former nurse, Suzanne cared for Russ throughout his illness and remained by his side until the end.
Russ had a deep love of music and a rare gift for bringing it to life. The clarinet was especially dear to him, as was the rich, joyful sound of big band music. During the '80s, he played with the Deutschmeister Band and later started his own big band, sharing the music he loved with audiences and fellow musicians. Music was not only a passion for Russ, but a meaningful part of the life he shared with others.
In 1972, Russ opened Bova's Music in the basement of his parents' home in Westfield. In the 1980s, he expanded to a rental location at Poppenberg's Music in the Buffalo area before opening his own independent storefront, first on Market Street and later on Main Street in Westfield. In the 1990s, the business relocated to Erie, PA, where Russ continued to provide quality music lessons and instrument repair while serving numerous schools throughout the Erie area.
His love of music was eventually joined by another lifelong passion: model trains. The two came together in Bova's Music and Train Shoppe, with its fitting slogan, "Where Two Hobbies Collide." Russ was also the founder of the Lakeshore Model Railroad Association and enjoyed traveling to train shows throughout New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, where he would set up his pop-up shop. These trips also became camping adventures with his wife Suzanne, family, and friends, creating cherished memories along the way.
Russ loved the Lord, and his faith was woven into the life he lived and the gifts he shared with others. Through his ministry, Gospel That Swings, he combined his love of music with his love for the Lord, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the music that meant so much to him.
Russ was, in every sense, a man who could fix just about anything. He had a sharp mind, a natural curiosity, and an extraordinary ability to figure out how to make things work. His family rarely needed to call a repairman -- Russ had a tool for everything and could seemingly build, fix, or figure out any problem put in front of him. Whether it was an instrument, a model train, or home improvements, he took great pride and satisfaction in building and repairing things with his own hands, a valuable gift passed down to him from his father.
One of his most recent projects was a large, beautiful potting bench he built for Suzanne, supporting her love of gardening. It was one more example of the way Russ expressed his love -- not always with words, but by seeing what someone needed and figuring out how to build it. In his later years, Russ also enjoyed trap shooting with his friend and neighbor as a member of the Ripley Rod and Gun Club. He was always happiest when he was working with his hands.
Above all, Russ will be remembered through the legacy of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Bova; his daughter, Jennifer Balsiger (Verlin); his son, Michael Bova (Maria Tricarico); his beloved granddaughter, Harper Balsiger; and his sister, Rebecca Bremer (Kevin), along with extended family, friends, fellow musicians, former students, and fellow hobbyists who shared his interests.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, September 21 at 11:00 AM at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 12 English Street in Westfield, followed by a graveside service at St. James Cemetery on East Main Street in Westfield. A luncheon for close family and friends will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grove Homeschool Cooperative of Hartland Bible Church to help put musical instruments in the hands of young learners, including Russ’s granddaughter. These gifts will help carry on Russ' love of music and his legacy for future generations.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Morse Funeral Home, 19 East Main Street in Brocton. Online condolences may be made at www.morsefh.com.
