Russell Willis Hardy Jr., MD

Dr. Russell Willis Hardy, Jr., “Russ,” died peacefully surrounded by family on May 1, 2026 at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy Markus Hardy, who died on November 5, 2013. He is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Van Hook (Micah S. Officer) and Caroline Emmet (Robert P. Emmet), and his grandchildren: Charlie Van Hook, Eliza Emmet, Tomas Officer, Samuel Officer, and Greer Emmet.

Russ was born on March 30, 1940 in East Orange, New Jersey, son of the late Myrtle Ward Hardy and Russell Willis Hardy, and his brother was the late David Ward Hardy. Graduating top of his class from Cranford High School, Russ was proud of earning the Eagle Scout designation in 1955. From Cranford, Russ went on to Dartmouth College, and after taking a rigorous courseload he finished his undergraduate degree in just three years. He used his fourth year in Dartmouth to complete his first year of medical school, graduating from Dartmouth in 1962. Russ went on to Harvard Medical School to continue his education and worked towards becoming a neurosurgeon. He loved telling stories about his time at the Boston City Hospital, and after graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1965, Russ went to Washington, DC to work at the National Institute of Health. It was at this time he met Cleveland native Judy Markus. They married in 1968.

Moving to Cleveland to start his neurosurgery residency at University Hospitals, Russ and Judy settled in Cleveland Heights. They started a family and began to form lifelong friendships. As a result, Russ loved being a member of clubs that suited his talents and allowed him and Judy to socialize with others with similar interests. This included membership of the Tuscarora Club, a fly-fishing club in Millbrook, New York, where he started his membership in 1982. Also, the Rowfant Club which appealed to his interest in reading and writing, and the Tavern Club, a social club located on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland. Finally, Russ and his family joined the Cleveland Skating Club, where he was a member for over 40 years: this club was like his second home. It was here he was able to play his weekly tennis game and have dinner with friends and family.

An accomplished neurosurgeon, Russ practiced for more than 35 years both at the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. He took his job as a surgeon seriously and with purpose, but also gave back to his profession. He was the President of the Neurological Society of America where he attended conferences to mentor residents and network with others in the field, Head of the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS) which helped expand neurosurgical training and care globally, and President of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland. He published articles and contributed to medical textbooks about neurosurgery and neurosurgical procedures.

After retirement, Russ explored his many hobbies. He was an avid world traveler, visiting many corners of the world. Russ also loved fly fishing, painting, and visiting with his daughters in Los Angeles and Cleveland. He was a wonderful grandfather and always took an interest in his grandchildren’s activities, talents, and accomplishments.

There will be a private family service to celebrate Russ’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio in the name of Russ and Judy Hardy.