text: Russ Berrie president to retire in July. OAKLAND, N. J. 1996-12-06 
   Russ Berrie and Co Inc said on Friday that A. Curts Cooke will retire as president and chief operating officer effective July 1, 1997. Cooke will provide consulting services to the company through July 1, 1998, and will continue to serve as a director, the toy and gift maker said.
competitors: Bethlehem Steel