Russell G. Janigian passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2008 in Mill Valley, CA at the age of 69.
He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, his brother Richard and sister-in-law Catherine, his many nieces and nephews, and a circle of close friends who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents Elijah and Satenig (Malkasian) Janigian.
Russell was a native San Franciscan. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1957. In 1961 he received a B.S. in Biology from San Francisco State University, where he later earned his teaching credential, a Masters Degree in Counseling and a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor credential.
Russell worked with the San Francisco Unified School District for 40 years. He taught Biology and Life Sciences at Benjamin Franklin Junior High School, Aptos Middle School, Mission High School, and the public charter school Gateway High School. He also worked in the District Curriculum Office mentoring teachers, and developing and overseeing curriculum implementation. After retiring, he worked as a consultant to schools and educational foundations. He was a talented educator, and was well-respected by both colleagues and students.
Russell enjoyed his interactions with young people. He loved learning, and sparked this love in the young people around him by posing questions and constantly encouraging an exchange of ideas. Russell had a unique way of listening that valued each young person.
Russell and his wife Mary loved to travel, and took many trips when they retired from teaching several years ago. He loved to hike, and along with their dog, Poppy, spent many hours on the trails of Mt. Tamalpais and walking on the beach.
The funeral will be Saturday, October 25 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. If you wish, donations can be made in Russell’s name to the American Cancer Society, 201 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, or on line at www.cancer.org. For directions and online condolences please visit www.callahanfay.com