Russel Lenz, devoted family man
Russel "Britt" Lenz of Lewes passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023. He was born Nov. 23, 1944, in Belleville, Ill.
Britt was preceded in death by his parents Ann and Russell C. Lenz of Belleville, Ill.; his beloved daughter Rochelle Lyn McCall of Shady Side, Md., and his best friend for over 60 years, Carl Poehler of Northampton, Pa. He leaves behind his precious wife of 56 years, Janet; his loving son, Brad (Jennifer) Lenz of Chesterfield, Va; his five devoted grandchildren, Madison Grace Lenz, Mallory Anne Lenz, Jack Kellan McCall, Britt Connor McCall and Maryn Elisabeth Lenz, all of Chesterfield; his sister, Beverly Wittlich (Jay) of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and his furry companion, Roxie. In addition to his immediate family, Britt also has nieces and cousins in Illinois, as well as friends and colleagues from his homes in Geneva, Ill., and Oakton, Va.
Britt earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University and was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends. Britt was a devoted family man and found joy in spending time with his family at the beach, fishing, or coaching his son's baseball teams. He was admired and loved by many of his former players. Britt also garnered much respect from his work colleagues as director of proceedings for the Commodity Futures Training Commission for 33 years. Upon retirement, he entered another career in real estate with the Weichert and Lingo firms. From family and friends to colleagues and neighbors, Britt would give you the shirt off his back. He was a fierce protector of his family, but he was also fun-loving and full of life. He could often be found at the horseracing track with his father, his best friend, Carl and his son, Brad.
He loved to play cards, go fishing, and woodworking. He could often be heard or seen admiring the love of his life, Janet, who was a dedicated and doting caregiver in these last few years of illness. Those who knew Britt would describe him as a loyal friend, a caring husband and father, and an all-around great man. He will be greatly missed, but those left behind should find comfort in knowing he was greeted on the other side by his daughter, Rochelle, with a beautiful smile and a great big hug.
The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Memorials to honor Britt made be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for research on Parkinson’s.
Visit Britt’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
