Russell C. Ball

1929 - 2016
Russell C. Ball, 11/20/29- 12/20/16 

The Family of Russ C. Ball mourns his passing on December 20, 2016, of Cardiac Arrest in his favorite place in the world: Rochester, Vermont. Russ Ball was a visionary who implemented his ideas and dreams in a "larger than life" manner. He leaves a legacy of accomplishments which have impacted and supported the lives of hundreds of people.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended Iona Prep in New Rochelle, NY where he received awards for high jumping. Later he attended University of Detroit, a Jesuit school, majoring in Engineering. Thereafter, Russ joined the army and was stationed in Labrador Canada. 

At age 25 he became a partner in LL&B, a construction company which built 60 homes in Little Falls and River Vale, NJ.  As an engineer he worked on numerous projects including working for the New York Foundation, on the Prudential Building. Later he became Project Engineer for Berlanti Brothers on the most complex project of his life - building the Charlottesburg Damn in Newfoundland, NJ.

Russ worked for Interboro Asphalt Paving for 20 years which prepared him for his next great venture, the founding of Roadway Contracting Inc. (RCI) in 1984. As CEO and Founder of RCI Russ led his company to becoming one of the few recognized experts in subsurface utility systems in NYC until 2010.

Russ and his first wife Mary resided in River Vale, NJ for 40 years where he raised 6 children. In 1990 he remarried and moved to NYC where he and his wife Dori raised two sons. He enjoyed spending much of his time in his beloved Vermont mountain home and in Cape Cod. 

Russ was passionately involved with St. Ignatius Retreat House on Long Island, after attending many spiritual retreats with his family in early years. He donated his time, funds, and construction experience to oversee many improvements and beautifications of the building and grounds.

In 1996 he began the first Zen group at the Retreat house which started with one participant and later grew into a thriving community of 65 regular attendees with 4 meetings a week and 4 Retreats each year.  Roshi Kennedy, of Morning Star Zendo, became the teacher for their group.  Russ also served on the board of Xavier Society for the Blind.

Russ enjoyed his Zen practice, painting, cooking, sailing, fly fishing, skiing and pursued his interests in Zen, Sufi, Spirituality and NY politics.
Russ is survived by his Wife, Dori Evans, Brother, Donald Ball, Children, Mary, Maureen, Katie, Michael, Colleen, Suzanne, Russell and William; Grandchildren, Melissa, Monique, Russell, Danielle, Antonia, Michael, Marc, Sara, Darien and great-grandchildren, Sara and Ellie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to MORNING STAR ZENDO, at http://kennedyzen.tripod.com/2016ap
peal.pdf. 

The Memorial service for Russ C. Ball will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Church at 46 W 16th Street, New York, NY 10011, led by Russ's dear friend, Father Joe Constantino. A reception will follow with light refreshments.