Frank Russell

RUSSELL-Frank, widely known as a proud member of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps for more than 50 years succumbed to liver cancer on February 3, 2006, 20 days short of his 79th birthday. Frank loved water sports including body surfing and rowing lifeguard rescue boats. His beach career included becoming the first lifeguard captain at Robert Moses State Park. For years, he and close friend George Marth oversaw lifeguard operations for all Long Island State Parks. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Hempstead and Mineola, he graduated from Mineola High School. Frank joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was stationed in Hawaii with his twin brother, George. Frank earned a B.S. from Springfield College. He was the wrestling coach at Columbia University and NYU and played semipro football for a Glen Cove based team. Despite his love for sports competition he chose to spend more time with family, and began teaching junior high science. Frank taught in the Smithtown, Plainview, and the BellmoreMerrick Secondary School Districts. Besides his family, lifeguarding was a great source of joy in Frank's life. He loved the ocean, the comradery among the guards and the interaction with the public. His lifelong active lifestyle and youthful exuberance inspired both students, and guards to remain physically fit. Referred to as "The Kid" even into his 50's, Frank competed in Masters Swimming, lifeguard tournaments, and running races. Frank was an active member of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), and was awarded a lifetime membership. He loved the friendships made with the guards, including a special group, which continues to meet throughout the year, easily recognized by their baseball caps embroidered with BOGSAT. This "bunch of old guys sitting around talking," is predominately-retired teachers and lifeguards. Like many older people among us they have a great deal of wisdom to share with those having a shorter life experience. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Phelps Russell and Helen W. Russell; his twin brother, George P. Russell, Jr., his nephew, John Russell, and his first wife, Barbara E. Albert Russell. He raised his family in Northport. The family appreciates the support, kindness, and care of our friends, neighbors, and his fellow BOGSAT members. We thank the health care workers who helped Frank's final journey have the same dignity in which he led his life. He is survived by his wife, Jane; his sister, Alice Clark; brothers, Robert and Charlie who are all younger than their years. He will be greatly missed by his children: David, his wife, Pat; daughters, Debbie, and Laura and her husband, Chris Sams. He was very proud of his "stepchildren," Steve, Linda, and Robert Hunte; all who have served in the U.S. military and are Bellmore natives. He greatly loves his grandchildren, Dylan and Hannah, and looked forward to the birth of his new granddaughter later this month. We will rely on friends, the extended Russell-Hunte family, and the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps to continue the legacy of the youthful spirit, and joyful celebration of life which Frank blessed us with. Frank Russell repeatedly voiced his preference for a celebration of his life. He did not want a funeral home wake or a gathering to mourn his passing. In his honor, his family and friends will be hosting a memorial in June 2006 to celebrate his life, the friendships he held dear and enjoy the beach. The beach season will bring the formal launching of the lifeguard ocean dory, which has been purchased, and will be donated in his name. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.