DAVID RUSSELL's Obituary
RUSSELL, David, 1941 - 2013. Born in Worcester ("Werster") Massachusetts, "Skip" grew up riding a bicycle in the School House Road area and lived in Coral Gables and Miami for over sixty years. He married Judy Gloer after their graduation from Coral Gables High School (1959). Their 51 years of marriage brought them a daughter he adored (Tiffany Russell Grippando), three grandchildren who were the light of his life (Kaylee, Ryan and Ainsley), and someone for Skip to abuse on the tennis court (son in law, James Grippando). He is also survived by his sister in law, Gayle DeJulio and cousin Richard Dodd. Skip got his nickname from his love of sailing, which he inherited from his late father (Gus), a founding member of Coral Reef Yacht Club. He is also predeceased by mother Ellen (the only one to call him "Skippa"), younger brother Jim (owner of "Thee Leathery Shop" in Coconut Grove), and mother-in-law Eleanor Raynor, who lived with Skip and Judy for nearly three decades. Skip attended the University of Miami before starting a career in banking and insurance. He went on to earn a stellar reputation among doctors, hospitals and Florida officials in his decades of service in the healthcare industry. He was active in many local organizations, president of the South Florida Emerald Society, and an excellent dancer who loved to talk politics and current events. Skip was a member of Coral Gables Congregational Church, where the service will be held on February 15 at 3 p.m. (3010 De Soto Boulevard). In good Irish tradition, his family will receive friends at his daughter's home following the service.
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