Russell D. Jacoby

Russell David Jacoby passed away December 1, 2021. He was a lifelong resident and servant to the people of San Angelo. Born in 1936 to Boyd and Altha Lee Jacoby, he is preceded in death by his son, Richard Jacoby, and survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Bill Roberts, son, Rodney Jacoby, sisters, Bonnie Weisler, Rosie Ray, and Linda Bennet and many grand and great grandchildren.

After a term in the Army, Russell returned home in the late 1950’s to serve San Angelo as a police officer and firefighter. He later found his career calling when he established his own very successful construction company, Lifestyle Builders. For many years, Russell was the President of the Home Builders Association. In that role, he organized a group of volunteers, professional builders, electricians and plumbers, to construct the Meals for the Elderly facility and challenged them to complete the entire project within one week. It was a huge success and the building continues to serve San Angelo to this day. He said at the time, “Never has so much been accomplished in such a short time with so much fun”.

Russell also served Tom Green County as a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, for foster children. He loved the interaction with children and always wanted to do his part for voicing the best interest of the child.

Russell was perhaps most widely known as a fervent champion of animal rights. He served as president of SPCA of San Angelo for many years and frequently organized groups to visit nursing homes with their dogs entertaining the residents with love and furry companionship. Russell enjoyed writing about dogs and a had an expressive way of drawing readers into his stories. Many readers of the San Angelo Standard Times will recall his weekly column featuring the story and picture of a Humane Society dog. These articles served his mission to find homes for as many dogs as possible and raise awareness of the need for better animal management in the city. Through the years he adopted many dogs himself. Often these dogs were abused or maimed and could not be placed in a home. His devotion to dogs, their owners and his community gives testament to the magnificent obsession of his gentle and loving heart.

A celebration of Russell’s life will be held at a later date.