Russell (Russ) S. Wainer, Sr., age 66, a 30-year resident of Lakeland, Florida, and formerly of Sylvania, Ohio, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a brief illness.
Russ was a 1977 graduate of the first graduating class of Sylvania Southview High School and was a member of the former Cathedral of Praise in Sylvania.
As a young man, Russ worked as an auto mechanic before moving into management with Marathon Oil Company. He later became a leading listing and sales associate with Foremost Home Brokers & Insurance in Maumee, Ohio, where he earned numerous monthly and annual sales awards. Russ eventually set out on his own, establishing Park Place Home Brokers and Home finders’ Insurance Agency, which he co-owned and operated with his wife, Kathy. Prior to moving to Florida, Russ and Kathy also managed Ridgewood Community in Toledo.
In 1996, Russ moved his family to Lakeland, Florida, where he studied pastoral counseling at Southeastern University.
A devout Christian, Russ’s faith was an important part of his life. Over the years, he served in a variety of ministries, including ushering, tape ministry, nursing home visitation, and conducting services at two Florida Department of Juvenile Justice facilities. His faith remained a source of meaning and purpose throughout his life.
Outside of his work and ministry, Russ had a lifelong appreciation for cars, firearms, and music. In his younger years, he enjoyed drag racing at local motor parks, an interest that complemented his early work as an auto mechanic and his love of automobiles. He was also an avid firearms enthusiast and enjoyed collecting and shooting. Russ had a particular love for classic rock, and the music of his generation remained a favorite throughout his life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Kathryn Wright-Wainer of Lakeland, Florida; his son, Russell S. Wainer, Jr., and grandsons, Donovan J. and Derek R. Wainer of Lithia, Florida; his sister, Frances Wainer of Sylvania, Ohio; and his brothers, Kenneth (Barb) Wainer of Sylvania, Ohio, and Gregory (Ruth) Wainer of Columbus, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard S. and Shirley D. (Boyd) Wainer.
A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Chapel of Memories at Toledo Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave., Temperance, MI. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shirley Scott Legacy Fund at The Church Maumee, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, or the family.
