Russell Ernest Lambert, 72, of Lambertville, NJ died on February 22, 2024, at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp, NJ after a brief illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family who loved him.
Russ was born in Doylestown, PA on January 25, 1952 and was raised in West Amwell Township (Mount Airy), NJ. He was a resident of the city of Lambertville, NJ since1986.
He was a direct descendant of two of the founding families of Lambertville (Lambert and Holcombe). Russ was proud of his local heritage and enjoyed giving back to his namesake city. He was a current member of the Lambertville Parks & Recreation Commission and the Lambertville Municipal Utility Authority.
After graduating from South Hunterdon Regional High School in 1970, Russ was briefly employed as a carpenter. Shortly thereafter, he volunteered for military service during the Vietnam War and served in the Navy as a parachute rigger. He proudly served overseas in Iceland and stateside in New Jersey and Rhode Island. After serving a four year term in the Navy, he was employed on the grounds crew by Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ, while earning an Associate’s degree from Mercer County Community College in Computer Science. While at ETS, he met his beloved wife of 45 years, Benedetta. Russ and Ben were married in 1978. Russ and Ben had one son together, Russell Jr., who was born in 1988.
Russ was an athlete who loved the outdoors, and so he and Ben relocated to Renton, Washington in 1980, where they lived and worked. Russ taught computer science at ITT Technical Institute. Upon returning to New Jersey, he again worked for Educational Testing Service for 33 years and retired as an IT project manager.
He was the son of the late Stanley R. and Ruth Werner Lambert. He was predeceased by his sister Marjorie Lambert, brother-in-law D. Robert Shea, and two beloved golden retrievers Jake and Luke. Russ is survived by his wife Benedetta (nee Mascherin) Lambert and son Russell, Jr. He is also survived by his sisters Martha Shea of West Amwell, NJ and Barbara (Bobbi) Mowery (John Kilmer) of Flemington, NJ; nieces Beth Mowery (Cathy West) and Jennifer Kopp; great-nieces Elizabeth Lederer and Michaela Kopp; and grand-niece Alana Kopp, and his beloved golden retriever puppy, Ricky.
Russ was an avid runner who completed 12 marathons (including New York and Boston three times). He was still running until a few months ago, when he was no longer able due to his illness. Russ was an accomplished fly fisherman, who loved traveling to Montana and his property in Equinunk, PA. He loved dogs, in particular, golden retrievers, and was an ardent Phillies fan. Above all else, Russ was a great friend and neighbor to all. He would volunteer to help anyone in need of a helping hand. Recently he volunteered for several weeks helping people recover and rebuild after the Lambertville flood in 2021.
Russ also supported his son Russell, Jr., who competed in many Special Olympics events - most notably weight lifting. In remembering his dad, Russell said that his father never missed an event.
In retirement he enjoyed traveling, fly fishing, spending time in his workshop, and completing many house projects.
A Mass and funeral services will be held at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church Lambertville (44 Bridge Street) under the direction of Garefino Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:30 a.m. The city flags will be flown at half mast. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service. There will be no calling hours.
A private interment service with military honors will be held on the first day of trout season at the Mount Hope cemetery in Lambertville. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the City of Lambertville Parks and Recreation Committee. Checks can be made payable to “Lambertville Parks and Recreation” and can be sent to 18 York St., Lambertville, NJ 08530 attn: Sue Bacorn.
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