Russ Paul, Guardian of Les Paul's Legacy, Formerly Of Mahwah, Dies

Lester Rusty Paul Jr., son of the legendary electric guitar innovator Les Paul, died from complications from diabetes New Year’s Eve, his family announced. He was 74.

Russ Paul died surrounded by family at the Villa Marie Claire Hospice Care Center in Saddle River.

He worked to ”preserve sound and extend the legacy” of his father, his obituary stated.

Les Paul was born in Chicago, Ill. and lived in Ramsey at the time of his death. He was an Army veteran.

Stephen Paul, one of Russ Paul’s three children, told NJ.com that his father treated everyone equally — whether the person knew the electric guitar inside and out or if the person was just learning the guitar.

Russ Paul lived and grew up in Mahwah and gave talks about his father at the Mahwah Museum, where he helped set up a permanent exhibit honoring Les Paul, the report started.

“With deep sadness and regret, the museum notes the passing of Lester “Rusty” Paul, son of Les Paul,” a statement on the museum’s website said. “Rusty was a long time friend of the Mahwah Museum.”

Russ Paul is survived by three children, Stephen, Gary Paul, and Beth Anne, grandchildren Connor and Tucker, and siblings, Gene, Bobby, and Colleen.

Visitation will be held at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Prince Funeral home in Ramsey Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Association in his memory can by made in his name.