Russell W. Hollister

Russell Wilson Hollister
July 16, 1936 – October 28, 2025

Russell Hollister was born on July 16, 1936, at Irvington General Hospital in Irvington, NJ. He enjoyed an adventurous childhood in Astoria, NY, and often fondly reminisced about playing street hockey and “subway surfing.”

After graduating from Long Island City High School in 1954, Russell proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958.

He met the love of his life, Eleanor M. Bald Hollister, through the Craigmeur Ski Club. The two married on June 20, 1964, and shared 61 wonderful years together, building their home and life in Lake Shawnee, NJ. Russell worked as an electrician and was a proud member of IBEW Local Union No. 581 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, currently Local 102) from 1958 until his retirement in 1994.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Russell served as a member of the National Ski Patrol and was among the “pioneers” who helped establish the Craigmeur Ski Lodge in West Rutland, Vermont. He was also a certified amateur ski instructor through the United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association.

An avid sports enthusiast, Russell co-founded the Jefferson Township Youth Ice Hockey League and cherished his many years of coaching both hockey and baseball.

In his later years, Russell enjoyed golfing with Eleanor during their winters in Florida and spending summer vacations with family in Lavallette and Long Beach Island. He was an avid fisherman and gardener, loved taking rides on his Sweetwater boat, and cherished peaceful afternoons reading beside his beloved wife while overlooking their beautiful lakefront view.

Russell learned of Eleanor’s passing on October 24, 2025, when their three children shared the heartbreaking news with him. Just four hours later, he began experiencing severe chest and abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away four days later — truly from a broken heart.

Russell is survived by his daughters Susan Priore of Hopatcong, NJ, and Nancy Garbarino and her husband Charlie of Bangor, PA, as well as his son James Hollister and his wife Kimberly Killmer Hollister of Denville, NJ. Eleanor, lovingly known as “Nina,” and Russell were the proud grandparents of Michael, Matthew, Russell, Meredith, and Sarah, and the adoring great-grandparents of Ellie, Anthony, Natalie, Gracie, and Caden. Also survived by his sister Joyce Hollister Baker of Saylorsville, PA.

A wake will be held on Monday, November 3rd, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main Street, Wharton, NJ 07885.
A Funeral Mass will follow on Tuesday, November 4th, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, 204 Espanong Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.
Interment will be followed by a repast at Stone Water, 125 NJ-181, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

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