Russell "Tuffy" William McBride, Jr., 53, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. Tuffy was half Irish and half Guatemalan, and there is no better example of an Irish gentleman and a Mayan warrior. Tuffy was born in Wilmington, DE, on June 7, 1968, the son of Candida (Diaz) and Russell W. McBride, Sr. He graduated from AI High School, Wilmington University and ultimately the Widener University School of Law. Tuffy worked for the State of Delaware in many capacities, most recently in the Department of Labor as an Administrative Law Judge and previously as a Juvenile Probation Officer. In 1997 Russ married Tonya Ann Wood. Together they shared a love of family and a dedication to helping others. He was a devoted Dad to their three boys, Brendan, Jaedan and Destin. Tuffy had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was a voracious reader and had a deep knowledge of history, archeology, and music. He enjoyed watching sci-fi movies and documentaries on the History Channel. Tuffy was an avid writer and poet from an early age. He frequently wrote poignant, heartfelt, witty poems and tributes for family and friends including such memorable hits as "Everything I Need to Know I Learned from My Mother at the Grocery Store." Tuffy was both an eloquent speaker and engaging conversationalist which in turn made each person feel heard. Despite his size and tough-guy nickname, Tuffy was an incredibly kind, gentle and caring soul who made everyone feel welcome and appreciated, especially the underdog. He loved to exchange ideas and thoughts on many topics from local politics and public policy to classic rock and the Philadelphia Eagles. When he was not working or educating himself, Tuffy loved spending time with his boys. Whether it was taking them to sports practice and cheering them on from the sidelines (happily something Tuffy was able to do on his last day with us) or taking his sons to school or doing chores Tuffy was all in. He enjoyed coordinating events that brought his family and friends together and was happiest when surrounded by the ones he loved. Some of his favorite times were any McBride family gathering, the annual Rockford Park/Forty Acres Turkey Bowl, the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and tailgating at an Eagles game. Tuffy is predeceased by his father, Russell McBride, Sr, and his sisters, Candida Speakman and Patricia Burch and his brother-in-law Patrick Carter. Tuffy is survived by his wife, Tonya Ann McBride and their three boys, Brendan, Jaedan and Destin Glazik; his siblings, Maria (Brett) Mellinger, Francesca Carter, Monica (Brett) Campbell, Margaret (Ned) Midgley, Anna Dorwart, John (Antoinette) McBride, Christopher (Jackie) McBride, and Marcus (Jennifer) McBride; and his brother-in-law, Michael Burch. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann Catholic Church, 2013 Gilpin Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806 on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Tuffy's memory, you are invited to make a donation at https://gofund.me/c9d41cbe