Harold Russell 1935-2024
Harold Russell passed away on June 13, 2024, surrounded by family members.
Harold grew up in Chicago, graduating from Yale University with a BA in history in 1957. After serving in the US Navy for two years, Harold got his law degree at the University of Chicago in 1962 and embarked on a career in international and business law. In addition to working at private law firms, in 1971 Harold became the Assistant Legal Advisor for European Affairs at the US State Department. He helped negotiate security and trade agreements, serving as a principal negotiator at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, known as the Helsinki Accords, which some have said laid the groundwork for the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 1976, he joined the Chicago office of FMC Corporation, handling much of the company’s legal business in South America, Africa, and the Middle East, eventually serving as Vice President for Government Relations. He retired in 2000.
Harold served as President of the Boca Bay North Village Board and a Director of the Boca Bay Master Association and Pass Club. In addition, he volunteered for multiple nonprofit organizations, including the Big Brother program in Chicago and Habitat for Humanity in Florida.
He was Vice President of the Philadelphia Committee for the Homeless; founded Towne Pride Works of Philadelphia, which trained the homeless for employment; founded Bridges of D.C., which offered counseling for those newly released from prison; served on the Washington D.C. Corrections Information Council; and tutored students at the Yale School of Chicago.
Russell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margo, as well as their son Nathan and his children Julia and Will of Denver, daughter Nina (Tom Rubin) and children Nicholas, Katharine, and Chloe, and son Peter and his son Kai, who live in New York City.
A memorial service for Harold Russell is being planned for August, in Lakeside, Michigan.
