Russell James Sainz

Russell J. Sainz, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home on April 15, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Ann Sainz (nee O’Brien), and their two daughters; Leah M. Sainz and Erin P. (Walt) Keys. He was a proud grandpa to Margot and June Keys.

He was a devoted brother to Claudia (the late Bill) Andrews, Robert (Margaret) Sainz, Beverley (Barne) Ploch, Mary Beth (the late Sam) Imperiale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell J. and Mary J. (nee Hurley) Sainz, and his brother James Sainz. Russ was a loving brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, and friend to many.

Russ attended Our Lady of Fatima Grade School and graduated from McCluer High School in Florissant in 1967. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Russ was a member of St. Alban Roe Catholic Church in Wildwood and sang in the church choir for several years.

His career included 35 years of specialized logistics and hotel furniture installation throughout the United States and international destinations including Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Hawaii, Barcelona, and the Caribbean.

Upon his retirement in 2017, Russ volunteered several mornings a week at Most Holy Trinity School in St. Louis, where he served as a mentor and role model to the young boys he tutored.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Russ especially loved road trips in his BMW roadster — most memorably, driving the full length of Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, and cruising Highway 50 from Sacramento back home to Wildwood.

Above all, Russ’s true loves were his family. He deeply admired his strong, capable, and independent daughters. He considered himself fortunate to play with and learn from his delightful granddaughters.

In a final act of generosity, Russell donated his body to St. Louis University, continuing his lifelong commitment of service to others and to the advancement of science and education.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, at Newcomer Funeral Home, West County, located at 2211 Clarkson Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 25, at St. Alban Roe Catholic Church, 2001 Shepard Road, Wildwood, MO 63038. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following causes:

• St. Vincent De Paul Society -St. Alban Roe Catholic Church, SVDP-Sainz, 2001 Shepard Road, Wildwood, MO 63038.
• Doctors Without Borders - donate.doctorswithoutborders.com
• ACLU of Missouri - aclu-mo.org

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