A 1978 graduate of Wesleyan University, Russell received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Colorado State in 1983. He taught two years at Kansas State University before arriving at Muhlenberg in 1988.

Russell received several summer faculty research grants. His recent research interest was in organometallic chemistry. Other long-term interests included p-allyl palladium chemistry and the development of enanitoselective alkylation reactions.

The college community’s thoughts and prayers are with the Russell family, especially his wife Winnie, a long time employee of the College.

“Muhlenberg College has lost a great friend,” said Muhlenberg College President Randy Helm.  ” The College has been associated with the Wood family over a period spanning eight decades.”

Bob’s father, Milton “Scotty” Wood, provided the first food service at Muhlenberg College in 1948.  The Wood Company, now part of the Sodexo Group, has maintained the dining contract for 63 years.  The College’s athletic stadium, built in 1999, is named after “Scotty” Wood, and the campus restaurant, opened in August 2010, is named the “Ilene and Robert Wood Dining Commons.”  Bob also was the long-time chair of the College’s annual men’s and women’s basketball tournament, the Scotty Wood Tournament.

“Virtually everywhere you turn in Allentown and beyond,” said Helm, “you will find that Bob Wood was an energetic presence promoting the arts and the overall well-being of Lehigh Valley residents.  He and his wonderful wife, Ilene, are an inspiring example not only to Muhlenberg’s volunteer leadership, but to our students and alumni as well, of how to live a life of leadership and service.”

Calling Hours Tuesday 6-8 pm in Seegers Union, Event Space

Memorial Service 12:30 pm Egner Chapel (Also available on closed circuit TV in Moyer Hall, Miller Forum)

Additional parking will be available at the Allentown Fairgrounds infield. A shuttle will be provided in the event these parking spaces are utilized.

Reception 1:30 pm Seegers Union, Wood Dining Commons

Marino was a native of Staten Island, New York, and a 1958 graduate of Brockport State University.  He served as a graduate assistant football coach at Penn State University, then coached Morris Knolls High School in New Jersey for three years.  He came to Muhlenberg in 1967.

He served as head football coach from 1970 to 1980, compiling a record of 54-40-6.  His 1973 and 1980 squads were 7-1-1 and 8-1, respectively, which were the best records of any Mule football team between 1948 and 2006.  In 1976, Marino was named Middle Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year.  During his 43-year association with the College, Marino also coached volleyball from 1988-1995 and had a program best record of 124-81.  His 1992 team won the MAC Southeast championship and set the record for most wins by a team in ay sport (27).  He also coached men’s lacrosse from 1968 to 1977 and women’s lacrosse in 1986.  He was also involved in the College’s fundraising efforts for several decades.

The athletic field in Scotty Wood Stadium is named in his honor.  He is also remembered as a coach and mentor to generations of athletes, a dynamic personality in the Muhlenberg family, and constant champion for the College.

Arrangements for Frank Marino

Calling Hours at Burkholder Funeral Home (16th and Hamilton Blvd.) Saturday, January 8: 6 pm – 7:30 pm

Sunday, January 9: 10 am – 11:30 am

Memorial Service at Egner Memorial Chapel, Muhlenberg College Sunday, January 9: 1 pm Reception to follow: Life Sports Center-Solar Corridor

Committal Service

Monday, January 10: 9:30 Greenwood Cemetery (20th and Chew Street)

Please feel free to leave your memories of Frank Marino in the comment section below.