Local bar celebrates the life of beloved Bay Ridge chef

Approximately two weeks after his death, friends and family of Russell Titland gathered at the Wicked Monk, 9510 Third Avenue, on Sunday, January 31 both to celebrate his life and raise funds for his family.

The event had been scheduled before Titland succumbed to stage four colon cancer. However, after his death, organizers decided to go on with the benefit, which was described by attendees as a great success.

“It exceeded our expectations,” said longtime friend and organizer Jamie Calacanis. “It started at 3 p.m. and by 3:30 p.m., the place was packed out the door. I can’t believe how many people came and stayed for the whole thing.”

Friend Thomas Harkins was also pleased with the event.

“It was as crowded as the Wicked Monk could get,” he said. “The bands were great. Everyone that came was great. It was an overwhelming success.”

The benefit featured performances by several of Titland’s favorite musicians such as John Rafferty, the Canny Brothers Band, the Head and South Band and Radio Daze. Plenty of raffles were also held, with proceeds going to Titland’s family to help pay for various expenses.

“We had a lot of great raffles and baskets donated by friends. We auctioned off a set of golf clubs, lots of sports memorabilia that was donated, like an autographed jersey from last year’s NHL All-Star game, gift certificates to Chadwick’s and over 20 baskets,” Harkins said. “We raised thousands of dollars.”

Harkins’ sister Andrea was also touched by the day.

“It made me extremely proud and humbled to share in the day and be there with family and to be there during such a difficult time. It meant a lot to my family who knew him since he was a teenager,” she said. “It was a joyous celebration. Friends from childhood, adulthood and working life showed up. It was a real testament to his life and what he meant to everyone.”

Wicked Monk owner Michael Dorgan shared fond memories of the venue’s former chef.

“Russell did a lot for us and his cooking skills were a big success for the place. He was looking forward to going to the benefit. It was a nice memorial to him. The neighborhood bands knew that if Russell was there, he would’ve enjoyed it,” he said, noting also that friends from all over the country made the trip to celebrate Titland’s life and pay their respects.

Titland’s mother Lily, his aunt, and his brother Kevin were also in attendance. “They were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and how many friends showed up to the wake and the benefit,” Harkins said.

“His parents are salt-of-the-earth people,” said Andrea, “people you want to be your parents. His friends really wanted to show that we appreciated them through his process.”

Organizers and friends were also grateful for how much the community contributed to the event. “I can’t emphasize enough how many people contributed on some level,” Calacanis said. “It’s a great reflection how strong the Bay Ridge community is.”

“Everyone volunteered their time. The bands performed for free. The bartenders worked free. It was all hands on deck,” Harkins added.

Despite the sadness of Titland’s death, friends were happy to hold the event as a celebration of his life. “Knowing Russell, that’s exactly what he wanted. He wouldn’t want anyone to cry about his life. He lived his to fullest,” said Andrea.

“He would’ve wanted it to go on,” added Harkins. “Jamie even said the only guy missing is Russell himself. He would’ve loved it and that’s what we were going for. “