Obituary of Robert H. Russell

CANISTEO: Robert H. "Bob" Russell, 93, of Canisteo Manor formerly of Purdy Creek Rd. passed away Tuesday (Nov. 1, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell following an extended illness. Bob was born February 1, 1923 in the Town of Howard to Harold and Kathlyn (Harris) Russell. On July 21, 1956 in Fort Wayne, IN. he married the former Joan Hopkins who survives and resides in Canisteo. Bob was predeceased by a son Bruce Russell, five brothers: Joel, Shirley, Thomas, Richard and Jack Russell and a sister, Mary Houghtaling. Bob was a graduate of Bath Haverling Central School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving our country during WWII from 1943-46. He had been an Insurance salesman for the Midland Mutual Ins. Company and prior to selling insurance he had been a salesman for the Interstate Motor Freight System. He had resided in Indianapolis for many years before returning to his New York home. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Canisteo where he was an active member of the Methodist Men's Group. He was a member of the former Canisteo Civic Club and a member of Morning Star Lodge #65 F&AM in Canisteo where he periodically held the position as Chaplin. Bob loved the Canisteo Valley and was one who loved to tell stories and play a good game of cribbage, bridge or euchre and he will always be remembered as being in "tip top" when asked how he was doing. In addition to his wife Joan, Bob is survived by two daughters: JoAnn Russell of Sugarland, TX. and Janet (Matthew) Calvage of Greer, S.C. one brother Frank (Deanna) Russell of Andover, two sisters; Bonnie MacNaughton and Karleen House both of Colorado, a sister-in-law, Phyllis Russell of TN. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. There will be no prior calling hours. A Masonic Service and memorial service with military honors will take place Sunday, November 20 at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church, Greenwood St. in Canisteo with Rev. Beverly Welch officiating. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery. The family would like to express their grateful appreciation to the entire Russell and Houghtaling families, Ellen and Jerry Bush, Faith in Action, Canisteo Manor, the First United Methodist Church and his care teams at Elderwood, Hornell Gardens and St. James Mercy Hospital for their support in caring for him throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's name may be made to Faith in Action, P.O. Box 117, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Service: Sunday: Nov. 20, 2016 2:00 pm First United Methodist Church Greenwood St. Canisteo, N.Y.