Sad news at Christmas in the City…

This morning, Christmas in the City lost a great and good friend. Russell Leblang, a longtime volunteer and supporter – and all round good guy – passed away after a tough, year-long battle with a rare form of cancer. He was just 56 years old.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Russell will remember him for his generosity, kindness, humor and keen intelligence. Those who knew him from KBPT will also remember him as a demon on the elliptical, especially when he was making his comeback from a running injury.

Russell was a CITC mainstay for years. He was a shelter captain at the annual party. He was instrumental in helping keep the organization running. As an avid marathoner, he raised a tremendous amount of money for CITC. He pitched in to help out with anything and everything, wherever he felt that CITC could use a hand. And he was behind CITC’s Village Project initiative, which helps ensure a quality education for underprivileged kids.

We extend our sympathy and love to Russell’s family – especially his wife (and longtime CITC volunteer) Deahn and their two children, Alexander and Charlotte – and to all of Russell’s many friends.

Russell’s funeral will be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead.

Here’s the link to his full obituary.

To say that those who knew Russell will miss him tremendously is an understatement. There’s a Yiddish word for men like Russell: mensch. The world is a better place for him having been in it.