He attended St. James Major Elementary School, Cor Jesu High School, and the University of New Orleans, known at that time as LSUNO, where he was an initiate of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and graduated in 1969 with a BA in History. He served as a 1st Lt. in the US Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, earning the Combat Infantry Badge. He worked in municipal government all his professional life, first as an administrator of federal programs for the City of New Orleans. He was a financial manager for DeKalb County, GA, after moving to Atlanta, ultimately working as Deputy Director of Finance - Budget.
Russell had an original mind with an eclectic and liberal interest in myriad activities. A constant reader of both fiction and non-fiction, especially general and military history, and politics, he also enjoyed theatre, opera, and film. Although a Falcons season ticket holder, he never stopped supporting the New Orleans Saints, and was a fan of UNO basketball and GSU football. He had a keen eye for modern design, architecture, and decorative arts, especially ceramics and Japanese prints. Additionally, for many years, he raised bonsai.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Penot Langford; by his daughter, Irene Frankofsky Legg; son-in-law, Robert Legg; and granddaughter, Dorothy Ann Legg, of Saltaire, W. Yorkshire, UK; by his brother, Bruce J. Frankofsky of New Orleans; and by numerous dear relatives and friends, especially in New Orleans and Atlanta.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 10:00AM until 12:00PM. The interment will follow the gathering in Metairie Cemetery. After the interment, a reception to celebrate Russell’s life will be held at the Event Center at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Brother Martin High School, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122; the University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148; or St. Pius X Catholic High School, 2674 Johnson Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30345.
To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
