Febuary 5, 2008

Russell J. ‘Rusty’ Hammer

Youngest mayor, city council in U.S. history (1953–2008)

Rusty Hammer passed away peacefully in his Willow Glen home on Jan. 28 after battling leukemia for five years.

Hammer spent his formative years in Campbell, attending Monroe and graduating from Del Mar High School in 1971. His indomitable strength of character rose to the forefront in 1972 when he became the youngest elected official in U.S. history to serve the Campbell City Council at 18-years-old. Three years later in 1975, Hammer, then 21, was elected Mayor of Campbell, becoming the youngest mayor of an incorporated city in U.S. history. Hammer also worked for the private sector in management and became the president of Quadrex Corporation.

Hammer’s desire to serve led him to become the chief executive of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce from 1994—2001 and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce from 2001—2006. In 2003, he was diagnosed with leukemia, undergoing surgeries and treatments to battle the disease. Hammer found solace in helping others and became part of the board of The Wellness Community Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization that offers free support and education to cancer patients and their families.

A celebration of his life was held at the Campbell Heritage Theater on Feb. 1. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested in Hammer’s name to be made to The Wellness Community Silicon Valley, 4850 Union Ave., San Jose, Calif. 95124.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughter, Jennifer; and son, Gerald; and brothers Lee, of Foster City and Mark, of New Jersey.