Russell J. Weinlein

Albany -Russell J. Weinlein of Lenox Avenue, died Wednesday July 17, 2024. Born in Albany, NY 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; Pop Pop to prized grandchildren Ella, Henry and Hunter; his Brother Gregg (Suzanne) and Gary (Julissa) Sisters, Jean Amodeo, Patty (Joseph) 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 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 VI at the age of 4. He had a very successful career as a Director at the New York 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 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 twenty 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 20’s! 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, for 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.