Obituary of Robert F. Russell

Robert F. Russell, 87, of Niskayuna, passed away quietly on his porch watching birds in his backyard on May 17, 2017.  Born in Hudson, NY, he was son of the late Claude and Cynthia Merrill Russell.
Robert grew up in Philmont attending Phimont H.S. and soon after entered the U.S. Army as a PFC 1st Class stationed in Japan from 1946-47. He later received a BA in Accounting from Champlain College in Plattsburg, NY.
He married the former Joan A. Coppola on October 5, 1955 in St. Lukes Church. The Russell's raised their family on Chrisler Avenue in Schenectady.
Robert worked at G.E. as a Cost Accountant for 36 years, retiring in 1989.
He was a former member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Schenectady where he was an usher and member of its Holy Name Society.
Enjoyment came from watching his children and grandchildren grow up. He enjoyed taking trips all over in his RV. The family wintered in Florida for several years.  Robert was an avid fan of the NY Mets.
Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his sister Cynthia Zambatty.  Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan Russell, his children:  sons, Michael A. (Jane F.) Russell, Christopher J. Russell and Patrick S. (Jessica) Russell; and a daughter, Rebecca A. Russell.
He leaves behind his brother, John (wife Francis) Russell; grandchildren: Christina, Emily, Rebekah, Michael Robert, Alexis Fletcher (Jonathon), Victoria  Russell, Sean Russell and Kara Cecil. 

Funeral services will be held Monday  (May 22) at 12 noon from the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road in Glenville.  A calling hour will precede the service from 11 AM-12:00 noon.
Interment will take place at 2 PM Monday at the National Veteran's Cemetery, 200 Duell Road Schuylerville, NY.  
In lieu of flowers, please give to those who served our nation by making a memorial contribution to Guardian House and Vet House Ballston Spa, NY who help homeless veterans reclaim their lives. Online condolences may be at glenvillefuneralhome.com