Russell Mark Breiner

Russell M. Breiner, 78, went to his eternal home in heaven on January 25, 2026. He met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face as promised in the Bible; John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Russell was born October 9, 1947 in New York, NY, to Doris Marian (Schneider) Breiner and Ernest Breiner. He grew up in Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY with his sister Joanne and brother Cary. After graduating Francis Lewis High School (1964), he attended State College of Forestry at Syracuse University graduating (1968) with a degree in Landscape Architecture.

Russell practiced as a Landscape Architect for many years in Syracuse, NY. In November 1979, Russ attended a Miami Dolphins game in Miami with friends. He had found "paradise." After moving to Miami in February 1980, he eventually switched careers to working for PNM Corp as a project manager. Finally, in 1995, Russell fulfilled his dream. A long-time golfer, he and his brother-in-law Mark Thomas, a PGA club pro, purchased the golf course Killian Greens in Kendall and later Costa Greens in Doral. Both were later sold and he retired to his home on Miami Beach to enjoy "paradise." In July 2023, he moved to Hoover, AL, to be near his young grandchildren.

A famous Will Rogers quote is "I never met a man I didn't like." Russell was a man that, when met, everyone liked. He was affable, amiable, charming, likeable, gracious, optimistic, thoughtful, laid-back and easy going. He was a lifelong learner and his favorite quote was "knowledge is power." He enjoyed reading books about nature, adventure, and the NY Times. He enjoyed all genres of music, socializing, traveling (especially cruising), and being physically active. His greatest joy was being outside and enjoying God's creation and nature.

Russell loved his family deeply and unconditionally. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Russell's children and grandchildren were enriched by his love, mentoring and teaching. He also had a passion for missions, especially mission trips where he could do physical labor. His last mission trip in May 2025 was the highlight of these trips. He volunteered to drive a long-bed Ram 3500 truck from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Echo Ranch Bible Camp near Juneau, Alaska. The 2,000 mile drive through British Columbia and Yukon Territory ending in Haines, Alaska and a 6-hour ferry ride to Juneau took 7 days to complete.

In retirement, Russell never stopped being available for others and his family. He remained physically active by gardening, golfing, biking and playing wiffle ball with the "Lost Boys." After his 78th birthday in October 2025, he began "feeling his age." In mid-November, he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The cancer progressed rapidly before immunotherapy could take effect and he succumbed to the disease on January 25, 2026.

Russell is survived by his wife Naomi, son Philip (Kristen) Breiner, daughter Rachel (Daniel) Castillo, grandchildren Mercedes Castillo, Bowman Breiner and Alyce Mae Breiner, sister Joanne (Bruce Barth) Breiner, brothers-in-law Mark (Denise), Dan (Beth), Timothy Thomas and sister-in-law Judith Thomas, cousins Kate Baker and Michael (Lisa) Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest Breiner, Doris Breiner, and brother Cary Breiner.

The family wishes to extend tremendous thanks and gratitude to Russell's physicians and their teams at UAB Medicine, Birmingham, AL, Compassus Hospice, Hoover, AL, and Shades Mountain Community Church pastors, elders and fellow congregants, Hoover, AL.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, PO Box 908, Bellmawr, NJ, 08099 or Baptist Health Foundation in support of Randall H. Lee Melanoma Memorial Fund-Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, Inc, P.O. Box 748853, Atlanta, GA. Online memorial donations: Donatenow (baptisthealthgiving.net). Under designation, choose Other, then note: Support of Randall H. Lee melanoma memorial fund in memory of Russell M. Breiner.