Joseph Dennis Russell (1942-2024)

The class has received a text from Dennis's wife Janis that Dennis died of cancer in October. There is no obituary, but Janis sent this memorial video (NOTE: Some systems may warn that the file is too large to scan for viruses. You can ignore this waring as we have tested the file on several system types and have scanned the file). The video is a moving and fitting tribute to Dennis with music and numerous photos throughout his life. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this video represents an estimated 562,000 words and that is modified by the multiplier effect of the music.

Janis adds:

Dennis passed away October 16 from cancer. He experienced a continuous decline the last few months but had wonderful spirits and connection with his children, grandchildren and me. He was my soulmate and the pillar of our family. We had such a special time at the reunion years ago. Dennis was always supporting Delbarton (HS) and Princeton. He valued those life pathways. 

Dennis started with '64, coming to Princeton from Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ. His parents wanted him to be doctor but he didn't, so he left for two years and came back and graduated with us. He majored in Chemistry and was a member of Cap and Gown. Dennis went on to a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Chicago and (later) a Master's in electrical and computer engineering from Wisconsin. He worked most of his life living in San Diego and working in engineering roles at Teradata and then NCR when NCR acquired them. Dennis is listed as inventor or coinventor on several patents. Janis had twin daughters, he had two sons, and they raised a blended family. Dennis also had a Princetonian brother, John Darryl Russell '65.

Nassau Herald

Memorial Service

The Memorial Service program tells more about Dennis's life and family, as does this 20-minute video tribute mentioned previously.

Memories and Tributes

If you have photos or memories that you wish to share, please send them to the '66 Memorial Team (66_MemorialTeam@tiger1966.org). We will add them to this page.