Robert Masters "Bob" Russell Jr.

In Loving Memory of Robert "Bob" Masters Russell Jr.
August 20, 1945 – May 11, 2025
On May 11, 2025, the world lost a truly rare soul. Robert Masters Russell Jr.-known affectionately as Bob, Russ, Dad, and Grand Dad-passed peacefully at Victory Lakes Skilled Nursing Facility after a long and courageous journey with dementia. He was 79 years old.
Bob was born on August 20, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA to Dr. Robert Masters Russell Sr. and Carolyn Russell. The eldest of three sons, Bob grew up in Wenonah, NJ at the historic Oakwood Manor, a home marked more by solitude than noise, where he often found quiet comfort in books, nature, and the steady presence of his beloved nanny, Sally Beverly. He shared his early years with his brothers Wesley Jack (Suzanne) of Tallahassee, FL and James Christopher (Joan) of Mt. Holly, NJ, and his grandparents, Dr. H. Wesley Jack and Pearle Jack, who nurtured his early love of history and learning.
Bob spent his childhood summers in Ocean City, NJ, where he first discovered his lifelong love for the ocean and boating. A free spirit before the term was popular, Bob lived life on his own terms-humble, quiet, yet deeply connected to the world around him. He was especially drawn to the thrill of boat racing, captivated by both the speed and the sense of freedom it offered.
Bob attended boarding school at Northwood in Lake Placid, NY and graduated from Woodbury High School in 1964. Bob was fascinated by his father's heroism as a Naval fighter pilot and started his collegiate years at the University of Miami where he learned to fly airplanes and received his private pilot's license. Bob enjoyed working for Bell Telephone while living in Florida.
In true Bob fashion, living among the artists and thinkers in Coconut Grove, he was always up for an adventure. Bob won first place when racing his 55 Chevy at Vineland Speedway, and this need for speed transcended into his passion for hydroplane racing. Bob famously rode his motorcycle from Florida up to the Woodstock festival in 1969-fitting for a man who always moved to the beat of his own drum.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Edna Goss, in 1964, and together they raised two daughters-Donna Russell Knoll (John) of Antioch, IL and Rebecca Russell of Sewell, NJ. He was a proud and devoted father, and even prouder grandfather to his beloved grandson, Nathan Jack Knoll.
After moving back to New Jersey and settling in Pitman, A true lifelong learner, Bob graduated from Glassboro State College and worked for AFT fuel refinery and Sohio Fuels in Pureland Industrial Park. Bob's desire for anything educational and historical would be his inspiration for family weekend daytrips walking around Batsto, watching the steam engines at Hagley and walking through Longwood Gardens and Winterthur Museums, along with listening to Breakfast with the Beatles on the radio. Bob also enjoyed watching PBS, Nova and Jacques Cousteau which often seemed more like torture for his daughters at the time.
Bob spent his retirement years living in Manahawkin, Beach Haven West, NJ near the shore he loved so much. After his retirement from British Petroleum as an Operations Manager in Linden, NJ, he stayed busy working at a small propeller shop and dabbled in sailing.
Bob lived modestly and intentionally, valuing relationships and experiences far more than possessions Bob lived a life of simplicity, and desired relationships, and never sought the spotlight. He found meaning in small things-a photo snapped on the shore, a walk through a park, a deep conversation with an old friend about life or justice. A passionate believer in peace, equality, and progressive ideals, Bob stood firmly in his values and always hoped for a kinder, more compassionate world. He showed us that a rich life has nothing to do with wealth and everything to do with wisdom, laughter, love, and presence. Bob loved music, mostly Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, BB King, had a huge vinyl collection and could quote lyrics with perfect timing and humor, and always had a funny saying that was unexpected. Bob enjoyed photography, coin & stamp collecting, National Geographic magazines, yoga, walking on the beach, watching the stock market, and cherishing friendships over everything. Bob was proud of his family roots to their ancestral land in Saluda, VA., and enjoyed visiting the property with his brothers, and always looked forward to family vacations spent at Ocean City, NJ. He was, simply put, a man who loved quietly without ever needing to say much at all.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Marcie Kempf, Bob's caregiver and friend, whose compassion and joyful spirit brought comfort and light to his final chapter. Bob is also survived by his two nephews, Stephen Russell & David Russell and many friends that he always loved dearly.
In honor of Bob's deep love for the ocean and the serenity it brought him, donations are being accepted for Bob's Beach Bench, a memorial to be placed at the shore he loved most. https://gofund.me/c879fbeb
A private service for family will be held in June, and Bob will be laid to rest in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
In the words of Bob Dylan, one of his heroes: "May you stay forever young."
And he will-in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.