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Russell Edward Coelho
August 30, 1944 ~ June 30, 2022
"Russell Coelho, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Russell was a 60 year resident of Santa Clara County. Born on August 30, 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Russell was raised on the island of Oahu until he was 16 years of age. In 1960, his family moved to California. Russell graduated from Los Altos High in 1962. He was passionately involved in the martial arts, earning 10th degree certifications throughout his 64 year dedication to studying and teaching. He had a successful professional life in sales and executive positions within the fashion industry. His greatest love was his family or "Ohana". Nothing made him happier than to spend time with those he loved. He is survived by his two children, Wendy Louise (Michael) and Ryan Edward (Brandy); his four grandchildren, Rachel (Clark), Mark, Caden and Ava; and his sister Miriam (Robert); along with many of his extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Lucille and his brother Robert Clyde. He will be deeply missed and his love will remain in our hearts forever."
(The above obituary was provided by the Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary in Mountain View, CA. To see recent photos of Russell, click on this link, then click on "Tribute Wall" at the bottom left of the page that appears, then scroll down to the bottom of the page to see additional photos.)
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Virginia Small (Chambers)
We will miss Russ so much, I mourn his loss and pray that his family will be comforted in this great loss. He was such a friendly charming person and so talented in his chosen field. He will be greatly missed at our reunions. I'm so glad he was part of our class. Aloha nui loa, Russ. Ginni Small Chambers
Carla Barber (Cramer)
Russ was a person with bright eyes, a sweet smile and kind words. He will be deeply missed. I'm privileged to have known him. Carla Barber Cramer
Suzanne Riedinger
We have lost a true gentleman. I’ll never forget his wonderful presentation in class on the Hawaiian Islands. It was truly fascinating and his love for his home state shone through. Rest In Peace dear Russ.
Cyrene Lucas
Russ was one of the friendliest people I met when I came to Los Altos High School, and he continued to be a friend at Foothill and at San Jose State. A friend of mine in the judo world let me know that Russ had passed. Russ was a man who commanded respect throughout his life, always looking out for "the little guy". He will be missed by many. Aloha, my friend.
Deane Swickard
What a shock to learn Russ had passed away. He called me "out of the blue" a couple of months ago and we laughed and relived some of our adventures. Russ was so much fun. He had an easy- going manner and his Hawaiian culture was never far away. He told me he wasn't used to wearing shoes and he didn't like wearing them to school! And, of course, his extended family put on the Hawaiian show at school.
Russ was high energy, kind and outgoing. He was just starting his karate career in 1962. Russ eventually became a 10th degree black belt and trained military units and police departments around the country.
He was a great friend. When he last called me, our friendship rekindled in an instant. It was as if we had never been apart for the past 60 years.
Susan Mack (Sugden)
I didn't know Russell very well, but reading all the wonderful memories his close friends shared with us makes me understnad why he was a very special fellow in their lives. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Alexander Bruce Cohen
Well this has really hit hard. Russ and I had a mad laugh with each other every time we met. Now see us in line alphabetically! That's how it started, always a step ahead from the first line... Pushing and jiving. Through the years, especially at reunions, we updated on martial arts. The memory of his laugh and smile is a cornerstone of my LAHS years. Best wishes to the perfect gentleman as all have opined. Never cross; always accepting was Russell. Going to miss him most among the many leaving now. So sad not to see him again. Bless his family for giving us this joy. Love in these tears, AB Cohen