Russell J. Weinlein

1943 - 2024

Weinlein, Russell J.
ALBANY - Russell J. Weinlein, of Lenox Avenue, died Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Born in Albany, N.Y., May 8, 1943, he was the son of the late Russell L. Weinlein and Virginia Rose Flynn Weinlein. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Weinlein.
He is survived by his wife, Melanie (Foote) Weinlein; sons, Russell and Scott (Robert King); and daughters, Dawn (Jimmy) Lazzaro and Darlene (Phil) Levesque; was Pop Pop to prized grandchildren, Ella, Henry and Hunter; brothers, Gregg (Suzanne) and Gary (Julissa); sisters, Jean Amodeo, Patty (Joseph), Darlene (Jesse) Alindogan Eworonsky, and Christine (Russell) Oliver. Uncle Russ was survived by many nieces and nephews, and enjoyed his special visits from Bryel and Beckett.
He graduated from Vincentian Institute in Albany (some say Albany High.) He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1961, and served four years as a Radioman, and then was in the Reserves for four years. After his service, he earned his business degree from University at Albany "UAlbany". Russ had a fond place in his heart for Albany State. He was a member of the infamous Eddie Potter Club, and was a UAlbany basketball season ticket holder.
He came from humble beginnings, and was the oldest of eight children. The Times Union declared him the world's youngest janitor when he was working for his father at V.I. at the age of four. He had a very successful career as a Director at the N.Y. State Department of Social Services, and won the prestigious Alfred E. Smith Award in 1980. Additionally, he would mentor inner city youth through the Bowl for Kid's Sake Charity.
After retirement, Russell developed his own consulting firm called Support Services, to help nursing home employees qualify for federal and state grants. His office was in the Teresian House, and he developed many strong relationships through this job.
Russell was an avid player and coach of many sports. He won the batting title at National Little in
1954 (his father said that if he did, then the whole family would get ice cream). He liked to tell the
story of how he hit a ball from the famed Eddie Feigner, The King and his Court, traveling team.
He enjoyed playing football, basketball and his beloved softball. Russ played competitive
softball for over 50 years! His first softball team was Knapp's Tavern. He insisted all family dogs
be named Knapsie! He was most passionate about The Trollops. Russ would do anything for
his Trollop teammates. He won over 500 games in his career as a pitcher, and was a dead pull
hitter. For over 20 years, his son, Russell, cherished the time being on the field with him and,
most importantly, having a beer with him and the guys after the game. He still pitched at the age
of 73, against batters in their 20s! Russ coached his son's teams at National Little League and
Central Babe Ruth, and guided the legendary team, Hershberg & Hershberg, to back-to-back
championships.
When there wasn't a softball game, he enjoyed going to Saratoga and boating on the Hudson
River, on his boat "Out of Touch," with family and friends, with Hall & Oates blasting on the radio.
He loved to vacation in Newport, and always forced the family to stop at any Coast Guard base
that was nearby during family vacations (which were scheduled around softball games of
course).
Russell lived life to the fullest, and always planned gatherings for his family and friends.
Everyone had an open invite to his pool and his notorious January Christmas House parties,
which he hosted uninterrupted for over 30 years. He would always sing a great karaoke
rendition of "You Got It" by Roy Orbison.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Russ and reach out to a buddy or family member you haven't
spoken to in a while, and ask them to go out for a drink (preferably a G&T), sit in the backyard to
talk, or go out in the front yard to throw the softball.
Calling hours 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., followed by 5 p.m. service, held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, N.Y. 12205. To leave a special message for the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com