Russell 'Russ' Mannino

A Eulogy to Russ Mannino I first met Russ about 15 years ago. And while I can’t recall the exact meeting I’m 100% certain it was racquetball related. I started playing the game relatively late in life, in my 30s. At some point I decided I wanted to compete and I set my sights on winning one of the amateur divisions at the US Open. From 2003 until 2009 I consistently made the trek to the Open which was held in Memphis at the time. I say consistently because I consistently left there empty handed. The following year in the late summer of 2010 I ran into Russ at the LA Fitness here in Temecula and he asked me if I was going to the Open. I said I planned to give it another go as I hadn’t had any success previously. Russ, in typical Mannino fashion was not shy or short of words in giving his advice and opinion on the matter. Over the next few months he took me under his wing and we’d play 2 or 3 times a week. He coached me and gave me tips acting as my racquetball mentor. If you look up the definition of the word mentor it says: Mentor: “Someone more experienced that advises and guides a person of less experience” True enough. However, if there were a racquetball centric version of the term, having spent those months training with Russ, I imagine it would go something like this: Mentor: “Someone more experienced who torments you incessantly with pinpoint accurate lob serves and an uncanny ability to hit the ball to a point on the court most remote from your own” Shortly after I received the sad news of Russ’ passing I looked at the 2010 US Open medal now hanging on the wall and saw it in a very different light. It was no longer simply a memento of a goal achieved, it had become a symbol representing my friendship with Russ and all the folks that helped me accomplish my goal. Indeed it has become a symbol of all the wonderful people that I came to know because of this great sport Russ loved so much. Yes when it came to

Avril & I were shocked and saddened to hear of Russ’ passing. The last time I spoke with Russ was at the U.S. Open. Instead of a conversation regarding the competition, we discussed our families. We shared a great deal of stories and laughter regarding our children and grandchildren. Russ was extremely proud of his family and I had never seen him smile so much. This is the memory I will carry with me always. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be truly missed by all.

I’ve known OF Russ for many years through others in the community. I finally met Russ through my dear friend, Fran Davis, at National Doubles on February 11. Within one minute of meeting him, I knew why he was so loved by the racquetball community. I was laughing almost immediately at his wit and I was moved by his sincere interest in moving the sport forward. He carried a very confident, happy and content air about him and his smile…so contagious. I felt so comfortable with him in such short time. He talked about his grandkids with a glow of joy. Russ was one of those rare people you meet who was really enjoying life fully, everyday. I’m so glad he was doing what he loved when he passed. The only regret I have in meeting him was not asking to touch his eyebrows. Yes, I honestly wanted to touch his eyebrows. Although I’m slightly disappointed I didn’t have the opportunity to touch his eyebrows, I’m so glad and honored to have finally met him. He will forever be in my heart and he has touched me and my family in many ways in this experience. Much love to the Mannino family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I always enjoyed chatting with Russ at the tournaments. He was very intelligent and also had a great sense of humor. I will miss seeing him…

Prayers for your family during this really difficult time. May you find peace and comfort soon.

Russ will be dearly missed. He was always so kind toward me. I will always remember that and will miss seeing him at tournaments. My thoughts are with all of you. hugs.

We cannot even believe it, and we miss him so much. We have shared many moments with Russ and Sarah, and most of them were full of laughter. All that I can think about was how they were meant for each other-Sarah is one incredible woman to have put up with his sense of humor for all of those years!! They both are loved by so many people, they are mentors to athletes, young couples, and moms/dad/grandfolks, neighbors and anyone that has ever met them. Sarah, you have so many around you to lean on, you’ll just need to do it! We are here for you girl!! The love that this family/friends has for each other will be the support that you need through this difficult time. Our love and prayers go out to you all. Love and warms hugs.