Robert Lee Russell

Robert Lee Russell, 82, of Kellogg Rd., Cortland, passed away after a valiant fight with cancer on Wednesday, September 20, 2017.

A lifelong resident of the Cortland and McGraw area, Bob was born June 14, 1935, a son of the late Hallie C. Russell and Estella Kennedy Crumb. He attended McGraw Central School and in 1954 was inducted into the US Army, where he faithfully served until his honorable discharge in 1956

Bob retired as a foreman from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) after 28 years of service. He enjoyed farming in his younger days, working his family’s farm.

Bob was a member of the Knickerbocker Country Club, where he enjoyed his “Old Man” League on Tuesday, he was a member of the Cortland Eagles and VFW and enjoyed NASCAR. Bob especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Surviving is his loving companion, Nancy Niver; his three children, Karyn Russell of Daytona Beach, FL; Brett Russell of Greenville, SC; and Kevin (Cindy) Russell of Cortland; his grandchildren, Brent (Kristin) Russell of Cincinnatus; Haley Jo Russell of Delray Beach, FL; Luke and Marcus Russell of Greenville, SC; two great grandchildren, Logan and Raegen Ryanne Russell as well as his daughter-in-law, Betty Russell and several nieces, nephews and cousins

He was predeceased by two sisters, Betty Ann Davis and Connie Potter as well as a grandson, Ryan Robert Russell.

Memorial services, with military honors, will be at held at 10:00 am. on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 US Route 11, Homer.

Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Russell’s name may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790 or to Access to Independence of Cortland County, 26 N. Main St., Cortland, NY 13045.

Bob’s family would like to give special thanks to Sandra Russell-Schwab and Dick Schwab for their thoughtfulness and compassion. Also, to Dr. Fallon Radiology, Travis Debois, FNP (Dr. Desai’s office) for their exceptional care.

 Service Information