John Russell, 95, dies
May 21, 2013,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — John J. “Jack” Russell, 95, of Westbury, N.Y., died May 16, 2013, after a short illness.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 26, 1917, Mr. Russell was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in the battle of Remagen, France.
He later became a plumbing supply salesman and subsequently founded Gyro Brass Manufacturing, Inc. in the mid-1950s, resulting in his inventing, developing and patenting the world’s first single-handle faucet, the “Gyro Faucet,” and the first push-down soap dispenser.
Mr. Russell later founded Russell Biomagnetics; “The Magnetic Force,” a trademarked, patent pending Magnetic Therapy Corp.; and with his son, David, established an Equine Therapeutic Division.
He loved Standardbreds and as an avid owner in the 1970s and 1980s he successfully campaigned several racehorses with David, a former trainer/driver on the lower New York/New Jersey circuit, including New Jersey Sire Stakes winner Led R Slide.
In addition to David, he is also survived by his sons, Jack Jr. and Gary; daughter, Sandra; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandsons. Mr. Russell was preceded in death his wife by his wife of 61 years.