Russell Van Zandt ’62
Russell Van Zandt, Trinity, FL, died February 2, 2024.
Born in New York City and raised in Demarest, NJ, Russ was the first child of seven. After Saint Michael’s where he earned his degree in mathematics, Russ was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for three years before being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. Russ later earned an MBA from Florida Atlantic University.
He was involved in the Saint Michael’s Class Agent Program in his early years as an alumnus, and with the Reunion Program in more recent years, and he was a President’s Medallion supporter of the College.
Russ was a tough but caring businessman. He had a sharp business mind and a personality that could fill a room without dominating it. His long and successful career included 23 years with C.R. Bard Inc., where he was President of Bard Canada Inc., Bard Electro Medical Systems, and Bard Vascular Systems. He also served as President of Cardiac Assist and InterVascular with DataScope, and President and CEO of CardioLogic Systems Inc., Life Recovery Systems, and ELA Medical Inc. His business career culminated in being named Chair for Vistage Florida, an affiliate of Vistage International, the world’s leading Chief Executive Organization. At Vistage, Russ mentored CEOs and top executives on leadership, organization, and decision-making.
Everywhere he went, Russ would immerse himself in the culture and the cuisine, making friends while making the most of what every new area offered. His career required that he relocate often, and his travels with his wife included living in New York; California; New Jersey; Toronto, Canada; Colorado; Massachusetts; Minnesota; and ultimately, after 10 transfers and 22 homes, settling in Florida.
Completely dedicated to family and friends, Russ had a boundless heart and an ever-present sense of humor. He played an active role in the lives of family and friends, including mentoring on business and financial matters. Under his tutelage, a granddaughter purchased her first stocks at the age of nine (most of which she still has, all in the green).
Russ’s favorite pastimes included coaching and mentoring in business, cruising and traveling, deep sea fishing, smoking cigars, playing blackjack (“let’s stop at the casino — don’t tell Judy”), gardening, and finding the best parking space. His favorite food was Prime Rib (the real stuff, not those cheap cuts they have at the buffet) and his favorite meal was his wife Judy’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Good scotch, according to Judy, was wasted on him. He was a Jack Daniels man with lots of ice.
A son predeceased him. Russ is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy, a daughter, two brothers, three sisters and extended family.