On the recordMay 7, 2018
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Russ Jollivette, an important and revered leader in education, health, and philanthropy, and someone who Dexter and I proudly called our friend. Cyrus, or Russ to those who knew him, sadly passed away on April 30, leaving behind an incredible legacy of good works and major achievements. Russ dedicated 24 years of his life to my alma mater, the University of Miami, including raising significant funds for the UM Sylvester Cancer Center and Hospital for diabetes research and for environmental health sciences. But Russ' impact went far beyond the University of Miami. He went on to serve as senior vice president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and served as the director of The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida. Truth be told, Mr. Speaker, the list goes on and on, but the role for which Russ will always be known for far and wide is friend. Russ Jollivette cared so selflessly for so many in our south Florida community and our State, and so many cared for him, including his daughter, Lynn Jollivette Johns; his two sisters, Regina Jollivette Frazier and Cleo Jollivette; as well as two grandchildren. Farewell, my friend, Russ Jollivette. ____________________





