Obituary of Mr. Russell C. Pomeranz
September 4, 2021
Born in 1957 to Jerome R. Pomeranz and Jaqueline R. Pomeranz (nee Goldenberg), Russell grew up on Demington Drive in Cleveland Heights Ohio. He attended University School and went on to study economics at Haverford College. He earned his MBA at the University of Michigan and had an illustrious career as a strategist connecting finance to the mission of non-profits. He worked for Maret School, the International Center of Photography, Meet the Composer, Spence Chapin, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Vera Institute of Justice. In recent years, he ran his own consulting firm Claverack Advisory Group and wrote numerous articles on financial models for philanthropy. Russ was also a long-time trustee for the US Committee for United World Colleges, Chairman of Workforce Professional Training Institute, and active board member of JobPath. He served as the Chairman of Time and Space Limited, president of the Columbia County Historical Society, and was a board member for Economic Mobility.
A lifelong athlete, Russ could most often be found walking and running the streets of New York City or Claverack, New York. His favorite sport was cricket and he was a four-year varsity athlete and Vice-Captain of his college varsity team. He was selected to the US Cricket team for the 1977 Maccabiah Games in Israel and from 1980-1989 played summers with the Pakistani Embassy team in the Washington Cricket League.
Russell is survived by his greatest love, constant companion, and the light of his life, his wife Christine of New York City and Claverack New York. Russell is also survived by his brother William (Kathleen) of Alexandria, VA, and stepmother, Dr. Barbara Barna, of Oberlin, Ohio. He joins his father, mother, and sister, who predeceased him.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Contributions can be made by check to Fashion Institute of Technology indicating "Jacqueline Pomeranz ITM Scholarship" in the memo line, 227 West 27th Street, C907, New York, NY 10001 Attention: Sujatha Vempathy and/or JobPath at 256 W 38th St #2, New York, NY 10018.
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I was a colleague of Russ's some years ago and am heart sick to read this news. I know how much he loved the nonprofit sector, cricket and, most importantly, his wife. Heartfelt condolences to all who are grieving Russ's passing.
Posted by: Past colleague - , - September 9, 2021
Russ was a great mentor to me. We met as co-workers early in my career in nonprofit finance (~2005?), and I always appreciated his insights, humor, and the clarion call of his writing. He demanded leadership of the nonprofit CFO and articulated the imperative to be "mission-infused" for long-term success. A few years ago I was in a financial leadership position, and I called Russ from the parking lot of the office, distressed about an upcoming board meeting and some difficult decisions - and he was such a lifeline! He stayed on the phone with me, gave me a great pep talk, and outlined what I had to do. I wasn't sure I had enough time to get those things done, and he answered, "Make the time." And he was right! I so appreciate his generosity of spirit, and the clarity and consistency of his advice (of course with a dash of wry humor). We know what a great CFO looks like, and what a wonderful spirit looks like, because of Russ. Thank you, Russ, for the impact on my life and many others.
Posted by: Lana Price Wallace - , - September 9, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you love and prayers.
Posted by: Anna Gaynor - New York, NY - September 14, 2021
I am so saddened to hear about your great loss. I am sending sympathies, prayers, and good energies your way.
Posted by: Amanda Elliot - , - September 14, 2021
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Russ. I know that he and Christine had such a loving and wonderful marriage.
RIP Russ.
Posted by: Robin Sackin - Parsippany, NJ - September 14, 2021
Oh, this hits hard. I remember Russ from High school at University School In Cleveland, Oh. He was a debater and a wit. With Russ, I felt, something fun was always just around the corner. I haven't seen or spoken to him since he graduated (I was a year behind) but when I thought of him, as I did and will continue to, it was always with a smile and fondness for our time together. I wish peace to his loved ones and friends. He was a beautiful young spirit. Eli Becker University School class of 1976
Posted by: Eli Becker - , - September 15, 2021
I always loved my time with Russell. A wonderful friend and classmate. A wonderful sense of humor and an easygoing spirit.
Posted by: Geoff Spencer - , - September 15, 2021
I am so saddened for your loss.. I send you my deepest sympathy and condolences.. you are in my thoughts and prayers. Vicki
Posted by: Vicki Guranowski - , - September 15, 2021
Dear Christine,
My most sincere condolences to you. Sending love and hugs...hope to see you in person soon this semester, and if there is anything I can do to help Im here for you.
James xoxo
Posted by: James Pearce - PORT CHESTER, NY - September 16, 2021
My condolences to the family and friends of Russell. I grew up with Russell as he was our backyard neighbor and we went to the same schools. Russell loved sports from a young age and we shared many baseball and basketball games. It is not a surprise to see his impressive list of accomplishments and contributions to worthy causes, he was always smart, motivated and considerate of others. Ted
Posted by: Ted Garver - , - September 19, 2021
Russ was one of a kind and truly a wonderful person. He was a dear friend and a mentor, and taught me so much. Not just about the work, but truly about life. This is a unfathomable loss, but his light shines on in the many , many, many lives he touched and thus changed. My deepest condolences to his many friends, and his family who loved him so much.
Posted by: Gabe Brodbar - , - September 21, 2021
I was introduced to Russ about ten years ago when I was transitioning from being the controller of a cultural institution to starting a financial management consulting practice for nonprofits. Russ was always thoughtful, helpful, and generous with his time whenever I needed help solving a problem. He enjoyed sharing his brilliant ideas for uplifting financial management in the nonprofit sector. I will miss him both personally and professionally.
Posted by: Paul Konigstein - Bellmore, NY - September 21, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Russ Pomeranz. I only just discovered that he passed away and am sad to learn of it. Our paths crossed years ago, when he spoke at a 2009 BBB event. Russ was generous with his considerable knowledge and I enjoyed working with him back then. He'll be missed in the nonprofit sector.
Posted by: Luana Lewis - , - October 27, 2021
