Staten Island, a place with its own distinct character, is home to a variety of interesting people and compelling stories. It's a borough where local figures often shape the community, sometimes through business, other times through their public presence, and occasionally, through their connections to historic landmarks. We're going to take a look at one such person, Selim Rusi, whose life and associations have certainly left a mark on the island's narrative, especially in areas like Todt Hill, as a matter of fact.
You might have heard the name in connection with prominent real estate or perhaps even a famous residence. Selim Rusi, it seems, has a rather unique story that intertwines with some very notable aspects of Staten Island life, including a home with a past that really captures people's attention. So, it's quite fascinating to explore the threads that make up his public profile.
His family, particularly his father Sal Rusi, plays a big part in this story, too. The Rusi family, through their various endeavors and their ownership of a truly distinctive property, has become a recognizable presence on the island, and we will explore just how deep those roots go, apparently.
Table of Contents
- Selim Rusi: A Glimpse into His Life
- The Iconic "White House" Mansion: A Landmark with History
- Business Endeavors and Family Ties
- Understanding Selim Rusi's Local Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions About Selim Rusi
Selim Rusi: A Glimpse into His Life
Selim Rusi is a person whose life story seems to be quite connected to Staten Island, and his presence there is, in some respects, well-documented through various public records. He is recognized as the son of Sal Rusi, who is known as the CEO of Salmar Properties, a business entity that has certainly made its mark. Selim himself has lived in Staten Island for a good while, making it his primary home, though he has, in fact, resided in other places too.
His personal history shows a few different addresses over the years. Before settling in Staten Island, New York, Selim Rusi apparently lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is a bit of a change in scenery. Public records also point to past homes in Demarest, New Jersey, indicating a varied residential background. So, he has moved around a fair bit, it seems.
When it comes to his age, there are some details that provide a clear picture. Selim J. Rusi is, as a matter of fact, 68 years old, with his birth date recorded as July 22, 1956. This specific information helps to place him firmly within the community's timeline. It's interesting how public records can paint such a detailed portrait of someone's life, too.
Personal Details and Background
| Full Name | Selim J. Rusi |
| Age | 68 years old (as of today, born July 22, 1956) |
| Current Residence | Staten Island, NY |
| Previous Residences | Fort Lauderdale, FL; Demarest, NJ |
| Family Connection | Son of Sal Rusi (CEO of Salmar Properties) |
| Notable Associations | S. Rusi Family, LLC; connections to political fundraising |
It's worth noting that while the primary information points to Selim being 68 years old, some records might show different ages, like 41 years old, perhaps from different periods or specific data entries. However, the more specific detail with the birth date gives us a clearer picture of his current age, obviously. His life on Staten Island has certainly been eventful, as we will see, and his presence is quite established there, too.
The Iconic "White House" Mansion: A Landmark with History
One of the most compelling aspects of Selim Rusi's story, and indeed the Rusi family's presence on Staten Island, revolves around a truly distinctive property: the mansion often referred to as the "White House." This sprawling home, located at 177 Benedict Road in the tony Todt Hill area, has a past that draws quite a bit of public interest. It's not just any house; it holds a place in local lore, you know.
This grand residence was, in a way, once the domain of a very famous, or perhaps infamous, figure: mob boss Paul "Big Paul" Castellano. His association with the property gives it a certain historical weight and intrigue, making it more than just a large dwelling. So, the house itself has a story long before the Rusi family came into the picture, too.
Today, Selim Rusi is known to own this mansion, which has been extensively renovated and updated since its earlier days. Public records show that the property has undergone significant changes and, interestingly enough, now has a total of three owners listed. This suggests a complex ownership structure, perhaps involving family members or business partners, apparently.
From Castellano to Rusi Family Ownership
The transition of this notable home from its notorious former owner to the Rusi family is a key part of its modern history. The home last changed hands in 2000, when Selim "Sal" Rusi, which could refer to Selim or his father, or both, purchased it for a sum reported as $3.1 million. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the property, moving it into the hands of a prominent Staten Island family, so it did.
The purchase price, whether it was $3 million or $3.1 million, indicates a substantial investment in a property with a very distinct past. Selim Rusi, according to property records, was the seller of Castellano's former home, which he had bought for $3 million in 2000. This suggests a transaction where Selim was involved in both the acquisition and later, perhaps, a sale or transfer within the family, too. It's a bit of a complex chain of events, that.
Since the Rusi family took possession, the mansion has not only been a private residence but also a place that has seen significant events. Its transformation from a mob boss's lair to a family home, and then a venue for high-profile gatherings, really shows how properties can evolve over time, in a way.
A Place for Political Gatherings
The "White House" mansion gained additional public attention when it became the setting for a significant political event. Last year, Sal Rusi, the CEO of Salmar Properties and Selim's father, hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, who was then a Democratic presidential nominee. This event certainly brought the property into the political spotlight, too.
Such a gathering at a private residence underscores the family's connections and influence within political circles. Hosting a fundraiser for a presidential candidate is a considerable undertaking and suggests a certain level of community standing and engagement. It's a clear sign of their involvement beyond just real estate, you know.
The mansion, with its impressive scale and history, provided a rather unique backdrop for such a high-profile event. It helped to solidify its image not just as a grand home, but as a place where important conversations and political actions could take place, obviously. This really adds another layer to the property's already rich story, too.
The Incident at Benedict Road
Beyond its political connections, the Benedict Road mansion was also the scene of a dramatic event involving Selim Rusi himself. A burglar, who had managed to break into the former mansion of Paul Castellano, found himself in a very perilous situation. It was a moment that could have gone very differently, as a matter of fact.
According to sources, Selim "Sal" Rusi, facing the intruder, pulled the trigger on his Smith & Wesson handgun after chasing the crook from his sprawling home. The burglar, it's said, narrowly avoided being shot, which is a rather intense detail. This incident highlights a very real and personal experience that occurred at the residence, so it does.
The event certainly brought a degree of public attention to the property and to Selim Rusi, showcasing his immediate and decisive response to a threat to his home. It's a story that, in a way, adds a human element of vigilance and protection to the narrative of the grand estate. This kind of event can, you know, really stick in people's minds.
Business Endeavors and Family Ties
The Rusi family's influence on Staten Island extends beyond their notable residence, reaching into the world of business and property development. Sal Rusi, Selim's father, stands as the CEO of Salmar Properties, a company that has undoubtedly played a role in the local real estate scene. This business connection forms a significant part of the family's public profile, apparently.
Their involvement in real estate is a clear indicator of their investment in the economic fabric of Staten Island. Companies like Salmar Properties contribute to the development and evolution of the borough's landscape, shaping where people live and work. So, their business activities are quite important to the area, it seems.
Selim Rusi himself is associated with various company profiles and partnerships, as public records show. This suggests his own engagement in business activities, possibly alongside his father or in other ventures. It's typical for individuals with such family connections to have their own professional paths that intertwine with the family's broader interests, too.
Salmar Properties and S. Rusi Family, LLC
Salmar Properties, led by Sal Rusi, is a key entity in the family's business portfolio. While the provided text doesn't give extensive details about its projects, its role as a property company suggests involvement in various real estate undertakings. Businesses like this often contribute to local growth and development, which is quite important for any community, you know.
Another significant entity linked to the family is S. Rusi Family, LLC. This is a domestic limited liability company registered in Staten Island, New York, with the New York State Department of State, identified by DOS #3909091. This kind of formal business registration points to structured operations and family asset management, as a matter of fact.
Information about S. Rusi Family, LLC, including contacts, addresses, and registered agent details, is available through business databases. Such details allow for a deeper look into the family's organized business dealings and their footprint in the local economy. It helps to show how their activities are formally set up, too.
Community Involvement and Contributions
The Rusi family's presence on Staten Island isn't just about property and business; it also extends to community engagement, particularly in the political arena. Both Selim Rusi and his father, Sal Rusi, have made financial contributions to political campaigns, which is a common way for individuals and families to support causes or candidates they believe in, obviously.
For instance, the father and son duo each donated $2,100, which is the maximum amount allowed, to Eric Adams' 2025 mayoral campaign. These donations were made on the same date in November, indicating a coordinated effort to support the candidate. This kind of contribution shows a clear interest in local politics and the future leadership of the city, too.
Their involvement in political fundraising, as seen with the Hillary Clinton event hosted at the "White House" mansion, further demonstrates their active role in the broader political landscape. Such actions highlight their influence and their willingness to participate in the civic life of the community. It's a way of being heard, in a way, in the political conversation.
Understanding Selim Rusi's Local Impact
Selim Rusi's story, when put together, paints a picture of a person with significant ties to Staten Island, through family, property, and community engagement. His connection to the iconic "White House" mansion, a place with a past that really captures the imagination, makes him a figure of local interest. It's a story that has many layers, you know.
His family's business endeavors, especially through Salmar Properties and S. Rusi Family, LLC, show a commitment to the island's economic landscape. These companies, in a way, contribute to the physical development and growth of the borough. So, their presence is felt in a very tangible sense, too.
Furthermore, the Rusi family's participation in political fundraising and their support for various campaigns indicate a desire to be involved in the future direction of the city. This kind of civic engagement is a key part of being a prominent local figure. It really helps to shape the community, as a matter of fact.
Selim Rusi, as an individual, seems to embody many aspects of a well-established Staten Island resident: deep family roots, notable property ownership, business connections, and a degree of public visibility. His life, as detailed through public records and local accounts, certainly adds a unique thread to the rich tapestry of Staten Island's people and places, apparently. You can learn more about prominent Staten Island families on our site, and perhaps also explore more about Staten Island's historic homes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selim Rusi
Q1: Who is Selim Rusi's father?
A1: Selim Rusi is the son of Sal Rusi, who is known as the CEO of Salmar Properties. The Rusi family, as a matter of fact, has a notable presence on Staten Island.
Q2: What is the significance of the "White House" mansion associated with Selim Rusi?
A2: The "White House" mansion at 177 Benedict Road in Todt Hill is significant because it was formerly owned by mob boss Paul "Big Paul" Castellano. It was purchased by the Rusi family in 2000 and has since been the site of a political fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, and also, you know, a dramatic incident involving a burglar.
Q3: Has Selim Rusi been involved in political activities?
A3: Yes, Selim Rusi, along with his father Sal Rusi, has made political contributions, such as donating to Eric Adams' 2025 mayoral campaign. His father also hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton at the family's Staten Island mansion, which is quite notable, too.
