Russell L. Pillifant

Russell L. Pillifant was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome with TP 53 mutation on September 7, 2023 and given 5-10 months to live. He vowed this disease would not control him and that he would remain in control doing the things he enjoyed. He fulfilled that goal until (date) when the disease, which had progressed to AML, leukemia, finally took control, and his life came to an end.

Russell was born December 5, 1950 to Frank and Phyllis Pillifant and raised in Hubbard Ohio before moving to Sarasota in 1974 after graduating from Youngstown State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and receiving a job offer from the Sarasota Police Department. After moving to Sarasota, Russ continued his education by earning a M.S. degree from University of South Florida where he majored in Criminal Justice Administration and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society for his academic excellence. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Russ had several successful careers, the Sarasota Police Department from 1974-2000 where he retired as the Deputy Chief of Police, The Ringling from 2002-2010 and Bealls Inc. From 2011-2025 where he earned his Certified Forensic Interview Cortication.

Russ was also a well-respected umpire, if such a thing actually exists. He umpired high school girls fast pitch softball games at the local level for over 15 years. He also had the privilege to be part of the West Florida Umpires' Association umpire crew selected to umpire State Finals several years.

Most recently he found a sport he thoroughly enjoyed, Pickleball. He could be found on the courts at LWR H.S. or Longwood Run Park almost every morning at 7:30 am. He enjoyed the competitive spirit of those he played with and played against but appreciated their friendship even more.

Although he was very proud of his numerous career accomplishments, nothing could be compared to his pride as Kevin’s and Kristi’s Dad and their successful careers and now with his granddaughters Harper, Rylee, and Avie.

He is survived by his current wife, Cindy, and his children Kevin and his daughter Aveline and Kristi and her husband Dan Schulman and their daughters Harper and Rylee and his ex-wife and mother of Kevin and Kristi, JoAnn Novotny Pillifant.

Russell has requested in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, who he has supported.

Viewing will occur at Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life located in Lakewood Ranch at 4310 Solutions Lane on June 28, 2026 from 12:00 pm until the time of funeral services at 2:00 pm. He will be interred at Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date.