Russell W. Intravartolo

The legacy of Russell William Intravartolo is one that will timelessly echo throughout the ages. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his dedication to helping others, and his zest for life. At age 63, Russ passed away, leaving this world on May 21, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. It was said that Russ lived 50 lives in his short time here on Earth, and for that, we celebrate a true gentleman.

Russ was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 13,1962. Growing up, Russ was blessed with several role-models who shaped him into the beautiful man we knew and loved. Russ was equal parts brains, competitor and leader. He earned recognition as an “All-American” high school football player, and later was awarded the “Distinguished Alumni Award” by Palatine High School.

He attended Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and DePaul University. Russ believed in taking action, so in the early 1980s, Russ used his engineering education and CAD drawing experience to collaborate with the Bob McKee engineering team, leading to the invention of the Trihawk, a three wheeled sports car.

In 1983, Russ joined the Motorola Corporation and worked globally as a mechanical engineer. After earning business accolades at Motorola, Russ was invited to join “New Enterprises,” an entrepreneurial think tank, tasked with creating improved business processes and researching new market potential. In 1994, Russ resigned from Motorola and pioneered his own successful business, StarNet, a dial-up wholesale global internet provider.

Widely-regarded as a business leader in entrepreneurial problem-solving, Russ was published in the book, Inside the Minds, in which information technology CEOs shared knowledge on the future of the wireless revolution. In 2001 and 2002, Russ was recognized as a finalist for the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year.” Russ’s ambitious nature and dedication to work graced several global internet technology companies including Motorola, Hewlett Packard, Cisco, Infor and Oracle. At work, he was known as “the fixer,” and fix it, he did. His gifted mind was innovative and strategic, helping those he mentored find professional balance and success.

Over his lifetime, Russ had the opportunity to raise four children: daughters Amanda and Maddi, son, Matthew, and step-son Tyler. Despite his busy career, Russ always found the time to connect with his children through their unique hobbies. As a proud father, Russ loved watching Amanda play soccer and Matt on the football field. Making pottery with Maddie was a cherished activity, and setting up a campsite in the woods with Tyler made Russ smile.

As an award winning professional motorcyclist, Russ reveled in the freedom of racing. It was in championship races, like the Daytona 200, that Russ found happiness. Dragging his knee on the asphalt of a pinhead curve and speeding at 185 miles per hour, Russ experienced freedom from limits.

Russ’s spicy Italian character manifested during the six years he lived in Cefalu, Sicily. As a resident in Sicily, he focused his efforts on transforming the rough structure of his house into a breathtaking mountainside Mediterranean villa. Russ held a deep connection to the olive trees and ancient wood from the Mediterranean, so Russ expressed his artistic talents through woodworking; with attention to detail, he handcrafted olive wood cutting boards, jewelry boxes and windows and doors for many Sicilian homes and businesses.

Russ returned to the United States in 2011, and shortly after, he met the love of his life, Barbi. The extraordinary love they shared was celebrated and officially declared on a mountaintop in Pollina, Sicily. On September 2, 2018, the world witnessed true love exchanging vows. Together they traveled the world, danced under many moons, camped under the stars, and shared stories over the glow of a campfire.

Russ’s gift for storytelling turned moments into lasting memories; he filled rooms with contagious laughter, thoughtful insight, and personal connection. Russ will be remembered by those who knew him well as a playful soul, with a child-like energy that invited all to come out and play.

A memorial gathering to honor Russell W. Intravaratolo will take place on June 13, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan in Geist, 7855 Cork Rd. Indianapolis 46236, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a memorial service from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life at Moon Drops Distillery, 738 W Broadway St. Fortville 46040, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.