Russell W. Banigan

Russell Banigan, 66, of Syosset, NY, and recently Braintree, MA, passed away January 7, 2023. He was born October 30, 1956 in Glen Cove to Edward and Elizabeth (Walsh) Banigan. 

Russell, who grew up in Rockville Centre, graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 1978. In 1987, he graduated from Pace University with a Master’s degree in taxation. After graduating college, he worked as a CPA, including nearly 30 years with Deloitte in New York City and Jericho, NY. He became well known professionally for writing a book, the BNA Tax Management Portfolio “New York State and City Corporation Income Taxes,” which was initially published in 1998.

Russell’s diligence, industriousness, and persistence in his career reflected his dedication to his family and values he instilled in his children. He was noted for his kindness and generosity, placing others’ needs ahead of his own. In recent years, he quietly displayed remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of his failing health. Beyond these qualities, he enjoyed spending time with his family swimming in the local pool, biking the neighborhood and nearby state park trail, and visiting New York City’s American Museum of Natural History and Bronx Zoo. He also enjoyed board games, such as Scrabble, even when he became an underdog when his sons reached adulthood. As a lifelong Yankees fan (remaining steadfast in his fandom despite moving to Massachusetts), he taught his sons about watching and playing baseball. He was also an avid reader of history, and he could speak at length and in depth on various historical topics. He treasured time spent with his grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as “Granddad.” 

Russell is survived by his wife of 40 years, Christine (Marmora); his sons and their partners, Edward and Kimberly (Reardon), James and Chloe Morgan, and Martin; his grandsons, Owen and Elliot; his sisters and brother-in-law, Ellen and Bill Fornaro and Beth; and his niece, Eileen Fornaro. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother Larry and sister-in-law Kay Clarke.

Private services will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Russell’s memory may be made to the ALS Association (als.org).

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