Robert Charles Russel, a prominent longtime figure in the local automotive industry and a noted communal leader and philanthropist, passed away on Saturday, Apr. 25. He would have turned 84 on Tuesday, Apr. 28.
A resident of Baltimore and Boca Raton, Florida, Russel was the president of R&H Motors, which operated dealerships throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area, including Toyota and BMW franchises.
Among the nonprofit organizations that benefitted from the generosity of Russel and his wife, Irene, were The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Schools, Lifebridge Health and Talmudical Academy.
In an interview with The Associated, Russel said he learned from his father about the importance of giving back to the community.
“Philanthropy started with my father. He always gave out of his pocket to charities,” he said. “I don’t think that when our parents arrived in this country they had any idea how financially successful their children would eventually be. We are very fortunate.
“As a result of this good fortune, both Irene and I believe that it is our obligation to give back,” he said. “We established an Annual Campaign Endowment and Irene’s Lion of Judah Endowment to help those in need and ensure a strong Jewish future for our children and grandchildren.”
Robert Russel is survived by his wife, Irene Russel (nee Mansbach); his children David (Wendy) Russel and Rebecca (Joshua) Brenner; and his grandchildren, Rachel (Austin) Sapin, Harry Russel, Julia Russel, Jacob Brenner and Noah Brenner.
He was predeceased by his brother, Steven Russel, and his parents, Alli and Ronnie H. Russel.
Services will be held on Tuesday, Apr. 28, at 11 a.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment will be at Chevra Ahavas Chesed Cemetery, 9780 Liberty Road in Randallstown.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to Beth Tfiloh Congregation, 3300 Old Court Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21208; The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215; or The Brady Urological Institute Development Office, Attention: Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, 600 N. Wolfe Street, CMSC 130, Baltimore, Maryland 21287 (Please note GBCC on memo line of your check).
For shiva information, visit sollevinson.com/memorials/robert-russel/5707691/
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