It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Russell Eldeb on January 26, 2022, at the age of 77, after suffering from dementia for many years. A California native, Russ was born in Montebello, California to Alma and Mahmoud Eldeb. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy, daughter Heather, grandchildren Laura, Caitlin, Christopher and Jemila, great-grandchildren Ashlynn, Autumn and Makayla. He is also survived by brother William Moran and best friend and nephew, Randy Hamud. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Drucella and Jamila and beloved daughter Meschal.
Russ became an amazing, certified Orthotist and Prosthetist after tragically losing his leg during his time in the Air Force. After his training at UCLA and obtaining National Board Certifications, he began his career with the Veterans Administration in Los Angeles evaluating, inventing and manufacturing artificial limbs and braces.
It was here that he met his wife, Judy, who was working in the prosthetic unit as an administration assistant. They were later married on 12/27/1969.
Because of his excellence in solving complicated cases for amputees, Russ was contacted by a group of orthopedic surgeons, from the Ventura County area, to open a facility locally to care for their patients. He and his family relocated to the Ventura area in 1971 to open R and J Prosthetics where Russ touched the lives of thousands of patients by providing orthotic and prosthetic services until his departure in 2016. Russ was a long-time member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks as well as a Brother with the Channel Islands Masonic Lodge No.214, where he was a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He was a frequent face at the Ventura races and the Ventura Fair Parade as an Elk chaperone.
Sadly, dementia robbed Russ of his retirement plans to restore his antique cars, fly around in his Cessna, travel to racecar events around the country and take spins in his prized, teal, ’57 Chevy Convertible.
Russ will be remembered and missed by family, friends and colleagues for his community service, his commitment to patients and his love of cars. The family wants to thank nurse Jennie Golob, the staff of the Artesian of Ojai as well as caregiver Kim Klester for their loving care during Russ’s illness.
Services will be held at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home at 757 East Main Street in Ventura on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow at the Ventura Elks Lodge at 2126 Knoll Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. A private internment with the family will be held at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate any memorials to: Help of Ojai, who provide senior services, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, or a charity of your choosing.