Russell deFuria - Governor 2007-2008 Russ has been a member of the Rotary Club of Upper Darby-Lansdowne since 1985. He was originally introduced to Rotary by his step-father, PDG Edward R. O’Brien. Having served on numerous committees within the club, as well as being a past member of the Board of Directors, he served as President in 1992-1993. In 2002, he was named Rotarian of the Year by his club. His past district activity includes serving on the Vocational Service committee for two terms and as chairman from 1995-1997. He also served as a member of the Gift of Life Committee. After being named to the inaugural class of Assistant Governors in our district, he served for three terms. He and his family have also served as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar hosts on two occasions.

Russ is the President of O’Brien Heating and Air Conditioning in Drexel Hill, PA. His company is engaged in residential and light commercial service and installation, as well as indoor air quality. He repurchased the business from a consolidator in 2003, after the original family business had been sold in 2000. Serving his industry, Russ was President of the Philadelphia Suburban Gas Association from 1998-2000.

Outside of work and Rotary, Russ is very active at Advent Lutheran Church. He served on church council for two terms and as President for four years during pastoral transition. Currently, he is chairman of their stewardship committee as well as serving as an assistant minister.

Raised in Springfield (Del.Co.), PA, Russ graduated from Villanova University in 1981. He now resides in the East Goshen portion of West Chester, PA. He has been married to Dawn since 1983. She is a software consultant and works part-time in Russ’s business, as well as also being a Rotarian. They have two daughters, Nicole 20 and Yvonne 16. Nicole is a junior at Cornell University and a member of Rotaract. Yvonne is a junior in high school and Charter President of West Chester East Interact. Russ, Dawn and their daughters are all Paul Harris Fellows. Russ is also a Gundaker Fellow.

His interests include travel, photography, trains, and electronic gadgets. Most of all, he is looking forward to being the first father-son District Governor “duo” in our district.