Russell Van Zandt's Obituary
Russell Van Zandt, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024. He was predeceased by his son Michael and brother James. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy; daughter Lora; siblings Jeffrey, Roberta, Joan, Jon, and Juliette; son-in-law Guy; daughter-in-law Naoko, and granddaughters Kaitlyn, Hannah, and Anne.
Born in New York City on November 19, 1940, Russ was the first child of seven by Dwight and Jeanette Van Zandt. Baptized in Saint Patrick's Cathedral and raised in Demarest, New Jersey, Russ attended Saint Michael's College. Upon graduation, Russ was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for three years before being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. Russ later earned an MBA from Florida Atlantic University.
Russ was a tough but caring businessman. He had a sharp business mind and a personality that could fill a room without dominating it. His long and successful career included 23 years with C.R. Bard Inc., where he was President of Bard Canada Inc., Bard Electro Medical Systems, and Bard Vascular Systems. He also served as President of Cardiac Assist and InterVascular with DataScope, and President and CEO of CardioLogic Systems Inc., Life Recovery Systems, and ELA Medical Inc. His business career culminated in being named Chair for Vistage Florida, an affiliate of Vistage International, the world's leading Chief Executive Organization. At Vistage, Russ mentored CEOs and top executives on leadership, organization, and decision-making.
Everywhere he went, Russ would immerse himself in the culture and the cuisine, making friends while making the most of what every new area offered. His career required that he and Judy relocate often, and their travels included living in New York; California; New Jersey; Toronto, Canada; Colorado; Massachusetts; Minnesota; and ultimately, after 10 transfers and 22 homes, settling in Florida.
Completely dedicated to family and friends, Russ had a boundless heart and an ever-present sense of humor. He played an active role in the lives of family and friends, including of course mentoring on business and financial matters. Under his tutelage, his granddaughter Kaitlyn purchased her first stocks at the age of nine (most of which she still has, all in the green).
Russ's favorite pastimes included coaching and mentoring in business, cruising and traveling, deep sea fishing, smoking cigars, playing blackjack ("let's stop at the casino -- don't tell Judy"), gardening, and finding the best parking space. His favorite food was Prime Rib (the real stuff, not those cheap cuts they have at the buffet) and his favorite meal was his wife Judy's Thanksgiving Dinner. Good scotch, according to Judy, was wasted on him. He was a Jack Daniels man with lots of ice.
The funeral will be held Friday, February 9, 2024, at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity, FL 34655, at 11:00 AM
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