Russell Harry Nemitz

Russell Harry Nemitz, age 87, of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with primary progressive aphasia. Born in Milwaukee, WI, to Clarence and Myrtle Nemitz, Russell excelled early in life as his high school’s valedictorian and went on to attend Cornell University. He later earned his chemical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During his accomplished career with Mallinckrodt, he and his family moved throughout the Midwest and East Coast, eventually settling in Raleigh, which he came to call home. Russell later served as the Director of Purchase and Contracts for the State of North Carolina until his retirement.

Russell will be remembered as a fun-loving father, devoted husband, cherished grandfather, and loyal friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh, and always delighted in a good practical joke. Russell loved to play tennis and golf and was also an avid gardener who took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard. With his signature dry wit, Russell often joked that he ought to charge admission to view his gardens, proudly referring to them as a "veritable showplace."

He was preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings: Ralph Nemitz, Laura Mae Theiss, and Loretta Banaszynski. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Ann Welsh of Raleigh; daughters Sheila Nemitz of Raleigh, NC, and Julie Nemitz Cogger (Jeb) of Leesburg, VA; step-daughters Nancie Welsh Benson (Tom) and Amy Welsh, both of Durham, NC; grandchildren Logan and Griffin Cogger of Leesburg, VA; his sister Lucille Melchert of Milwaukee, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the service to follow at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Russell’s memory with a donation to the Triangle Aphasia Project (TAP) in Cary, NC at www.aphasiaproject.org.