Beloved Long Valley Veterinarian Dies At 66, Months After Retirement

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Long Valley residents are mourning the loss of Dr. Russell Earl, a staple in the veterinary community.

Earl, who owned the Long Valley Animal Hospital for 16 years, died on Monday at the age of 66. He retired this past June.

Representatives of the veterinary office said that Earl was "the heart of Long Valley Animal Hospital" during his time there.

"Under his care and leadership, LVAH became so much more than a veterinary practice. It became a place where generations of families entrusted us with the animals they loved, where clients became friends, and where so many of us were fortunate enough to become part of his extended family," representatives said. "He dedicated his career to caring for animals and the people who loved them. Many of you trusted him with multiple generations of your pets, shared stories and laughter with him, and came to know and love the person behind the white coat."

According to Earl's obituary, in addition to his commitment to helping animals, he loved music, golf, and most of all, his family.

Earl is survived by his three daughters, Anachrista Earl and Samuel Best, Emmalise Earl and her fiancé Vincent Gigante, and Faith Earl and Matthew Bevilacqua; his beloved granddaughter, Ellisandra Best; and his siblings, Cindy and Wes Knowles, Stephanie and Fred Wunderlich, and Larry Earl.

"Russell leaves behind a life filled with family, music, animals, friendship, and service to others," his obituary reads. "He will be remembered for the love he gave to his family, the compassion he showed toward animals, his passion for music, and the many simple moments that made him who he was."

Services will be held on Oct. 1 at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Avenue in Long Valley. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., with a service celebrating his life beginning at 5 p.m.

The Long Valley Animal Hospital will be closed on Oct. 1 so that the entire team can pay their respects to Earl and his family. The office will operate normally in the days surrounding the services.

"Thank you, Dr. Earl, for every pet you healed, every family you comforted, every person you taught, every laugh you gave us, and every life you touched," representatives said. "Your presence will forever be felt within these walls, throughout this community, and in the countless lives you touched along the way."