Robert J. Russell
Back to PUBLICBorn: 11 Sept 1947 at 1517 N Myrtlewood St. Phila PA
1956: He started taking piano lessons at age 9 from Sister Frances Will, at St. Ludwig's School
1958-9: Sister Frances recommends Robert to Dr. Alexander McCurdy, the head of the organ department at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Robert studies music, specifically the organ, for 3 years under Dr. McCurdy's tutelage, with a full scholarship at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Soon after, he was the organist for St. Ludwig’s Parish Church.
Sept 1960: Starts at St. Joseph's Preparatory High School. As a student, Bob continued to play the organ, but developed an interest in science and decided to major in it in collage rather than continue with his music career.
5 Jan 1964, First of many concerts in Philadelphia, and around the world.
Click here for a partial list of concerts and programs.
14 June 1965: graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory High School.
He received a full scholarship to Fordham University and a fellowship to Yale.
7 June 1969: Graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in Physics, Magnum Cum Laude in Cursu Hororum. He was accepted in the Phi Beta Kappa and shared an award for his contributions to physics. He obtained a Navy grand for research that summer at Yale University, where he has accepted a fellowship as a graduate student. He stayed at Yale only one year.
Clipping from newspaper
Graduation grades
Phi Beta Kappa
1971, starts teaching at LaSalle College High School. He teaches science, math, and computer science for 44 years, up to a few months before his death.
Sept 1971 (another source states 1970): Became the organist for the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul under Dr. Peter LaManna, a position he will hold until 1985.
6 April 1978: "Renaisssance Man" newspaper clipping
1979: Organist at the pope's visit to Phila.
26 Jan 1990: Graduated from Temple University with a M.S. in Computer Science
He played the organ for his sisters and nieces weddings.
Died: 7 Sept 2014 Oreland PA
Last residence and place of death:
1107 Summit Lane, Oreland PA 19075
Ashes buried with his parents: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Cheltenham Avenue & Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Obituary
for additions and corrections, contact Bill Russell at: wm@wfrjr.com