Russell D. LaForce, 88 years old, of Newport, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was born January 21, 1937 in Elmira, NY to Rev Thomas and Harriet (Dawes) LaForce. He was a member of the Highland Presbyterian Church, Newport and former music teacher and band director at Montoursville High School, Juniata Valley High School, Springfield-Montco Twp High School and Newport High School. Following retirement he did computer programming. He enjoyed camping and collecting trains and fire truck models.

  Russ is survived by his wife Doris Schumacher LaForce; sons Rodger LaForce (Eileen) and Randall LaForce of Harrisburg; daughters Rochelle Hartman of Harrisburg and Renee Dymond (Troy) of Shippensburg; sister Kathleen Miller of Jersey Shore and grandchildren Mylissa Ramsey and her children Colton, Emelia and AvaMae, Jacob, Jay and Jared Pegnetter and Chelsea and Allison Hartman.

  Services will be held Saturday, August 30 at the Highland Presbyterian Church with a viewing from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM. Burial will be in the Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, Pa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Newport High School Band,, PO Box 9, Newport, PA 17074