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Russell Clevenger Obituary
April 3, 1931 - August 28, 2016
Resident of Newark, CA
Russell (Russ) Clevenger passed away peacefully on August 28 surrounded by his family. Raised in Forrest Hills in New York City, Russ was the son of Russell Robinson Clevenger and Helen Marie Horton.
Russ attended Bronx High School of Science and Yale University. He enjoyed a long career in public relations, education, and advertising that included positions at Albert Frank-Guenther Law, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Behavioral Research Laboratories, and the San Jose Mercury News.
Shortly after graduating from Yale, he married his first wife Marilyn (Micky) Jandorf (deceased). They had five children: Cathy (Brooks), Linda, Judy, John, and Barbara (Dully).
One night in the mid 80s, Russ was awakened by a spiritual voice urging him to "do something about pain and poverty." He followed the call of God, retired from advertising, and devoted his life to befriending and serving the homeless and hungry. He worked for San Jose Urban Ministry, Second Harvest Food Bank, and served on the Homeless Care Force.
Russ is survived by his five children, his wife Joy Hurst, step sons Lloyd and Leonard Stinson, grandchildren Uriah and Sabrina, and great-granddaughter Portia.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 1 at 2 PM at Niles Discovery Church, 36600 Niles Blvd. in Fremont, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Abode Services.
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The proposed site of the Memorial Bench in Saratoga.
Judy Clevenger
November 1, 2016
October 1, 2016
Russ was very kind to our family when my Dad was in hospice care several years ago. He was a volunteer who came to our home to be with my Dad, just to sit with him, and allow my Mom a little respite. I still have his contact info in my phone! Thank you for your support, Russ, and thank you for your compassionate words during our last conversation.
Sabrina Clevenger
October 1, 2016
Rest in peace. I wish we had spent more time together but the few times I saw you was great. You were a very positive and loving person. You are in heaven now for all your good deeds and are living blissfully. Rest in peace-sabrina
John Clevenger
October 1, 2016
Dad,
May peace be with you and heaven be your home. Thank you. I love you. John Kennard Clevenger ( juanito)
September 28, 2016
Our lives have changed forever,
Since the day you passed away,
In Heaven you'll be waiting
To meet us again some day !!!
With the deepest love and respect,
Howard & Barbara Dully
September 28, 2016
Dad,
I'm staying within your vision of me.
I love you, and miss you.
September 27, 2016
Russ was a grandfather to Charles Brooks, (deceased), and had a son in law, Donald brooks,(deceased).
rodney dully
September 27, 2016
grandpa,you will be loved & missed greatly.I will always remember the talks & good times we've had.
September 27, 2016
September 27, 2016
September 27, 2016
Me and my Papa
Linda Clevenger
September 27, 2016
Dad, I think of you often. I miss our talks, breakfast meetings, and chats on the phone.I am so glad I was there with you , the morning you reached for my hand. Letting me know you loved me.... and to let my sisters and brother know you love them too.I know your in heaven with mom. I love you Dad.Your Ninna, (Linda).
Judy Clevenger
September 27, 2016
Eternal love, Dad.
September 27, 2016
Russ had been my beloved friend since we met as college freshmen 67 years ago. He was a good man who lived his Christian faith to the fullest. My heart and prayers go to his dearest wife, Joy.
Michael Lazare
Anthony Gallardo
September 27, 2016
I remember Russ at The "Merc" back in the day and always thought about him. He was a soft spoken and gentle man not the type one would normally see in a high stress advertising atmosphere at a newspaper back then. I'm sorry to hear about Russ. Prayers and thoughts go out to his entire family.
September 27, 2016
I was sadden to hear about the loss to your family. I have found much comfort in the promises found at Psalm 102:17. May you find comfort and hope in the promises in God's word as well.
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