Dr. Russell K. Carpenter, 71, passed away on 20 April 2026 in San Francisco, California.

Russell was born on 17 December 1954, in Caldwell, Ohio, to Brad Carpenter and Delma Roe Carpenter.

Russell graduated from Shenandoah High School in Sarahsville, Ohio, where he was inducted into its Academic Hall of Fame. He earned two bachelor’s degrees from Malone College. He settled in San Francisco, California, where he obtained a master’s degree from San Francisco State University and a Doctor of Education degree from University of San Francisco.

Russell authored Chronicles of King Curtis: The Triumphs, Travails, and Tragedy of a True Soul Legend, published in 2004 and recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He also applied his talents in writing and editing through his work with Bank of America and the State Bar of California.

Russell found great joy in supporting his favorite sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco Giants. He enjoyed exploring and relaxing out in nature with his loved ones, as well as playing and appreciating jazz and blues music.

He is survived by his wife, Kyung Choi of San Francisco, California; his children, Elroi Carpenter and Samuel Carpenter, all of San Francisco, California; his mother, Delma Roe Carpenter of Quaker City, Ohio; and his siblings, Greg (Sharon) Carpenter of Leland, North Carolina and Melvin (Heidi) Carpenter of Ohio.

A service in celebration of his life will take place at Home of Peace Cemetery in Colma, California on 30 April 2026 in Colma, California at 11:00am.

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