BAY SHORE- Russell J. Wolpert Sr. passed away peacefully on December 19, 2020, with family by his side, listening to his favorite music, after having lived a very full and happy life.
He was born in Bay Shore, NY, on October 29, 1926, to Louise and Harry L. Wolpert, Sr. He was the youngest of 3 brothers.
He enjoyed his early years on Great South Bay, and by age 14, was entrusted as Captain of his father's 28-foot cabin cruiser, the Louise. In later years, he would build a house on West Fire Island, and that led to many fond memories for family and friends. In high school, he played in the 1944 varsity football team's undefeated season.
After graduation, he followed his brothers in military service during WW II. He corresponded with Brenda Rohlfs during the war, and they grew close. After the war, he returned home and after courtship, he and Brenda were married. He joined his father in banking at the First National Bank of East Islip, NY. He started as a teller, and he and Brenda bought a home. When Russ was 23, his father died of health problems. Russ rose through the ranks at the bank, and eventually became President, as his father had been. The bank, through mergers, is now a part of Bank of America. Russ enjoyed being in many Masonic groups, and attained 32nd degree. He was also active with service work in the Lions Club.
Russ retired after 43 years and he and Brenda enjoyed retirement on Long Island, and later in Daytona Beach, FL, where he was close to his brothers. They loved hosting family, and treating grandchildren to Disney World and the many sights and restaurants in the Daytona Beach area (especially Boondocks where he was greeted as "Mr. Trouble"). They were members at Colonial Colony Church. He remained active in table tennis, and he and his brother, Bob, took first place in the Ormond Beach Senior Games. For many years Russ and Brenda loved visiting Aruba. Sadly, Brenda passed away in 2007, and Russ missed her deeply to the end.
Russ is survived by his five children: Russell (Susan) Wolpert, Jr., Thomas (Michele) Wolpert, Donna (Kevin) Skinner, Darlene (Jon) Darch, Mark (Angel) Wolpert; grandchildren: Russell R. Wolpert, Christopher Wolpert, Whitney Bartlett, Joseph Llanos, Gregory Llanos, Corinne Fitzpatrick, Tim Pokorny, Margaret Pokorny, Emily Pokorny, Liz Skinner, Brian Darch, Matthew Darch, Tyler Wolpert, Lauren Wolpert, Bryce Schultz, Brandon Schultz, Charis Schultz, Audrey Schultz, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harry L. Wolpert, Jr. and Robert C. Wolpert Sr., and grandson Christopher Llanos.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family will plan a celebration of life at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Bay Shore High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 464, Bay Shore, NY 11706-0646.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit NewComerAlbany.com