Robert W. Russell

Robert (Bob) Witbeck Russell, 85, of Niskayuna, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Menands, and lived in Albany and later raised his family in Niskayuna, the son of the late Clarence L. and Ella L. Russell.He was a loving person to all but especially a loving Dad, spouse and grandfather and we will greatly miss him.

Bob served in the 76th Infantry Division ETO, 3rd Army and served under General Patton during WWII. He was in the "Battle of the Bulge". He was a proud veteran and possessed a wealth of knowledge about the war. He belonged to various veteran groups over the years. His career of an auto mechanic and painter spanned over 50 years and in that time owned & operated Atlantic Gas Station in Latham. He was an avid gardner and loved his cat Boopie Boop. He could repair anything.

He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marion C. Russell (June 11, 2009). He was the devoted father to Deborah A. Winslow, Robert F. Russell, Suzy L. (Gerry) Elfering, Lori J. (Terry) Scheuer and Paula M. Young.
He was the loving brother of Janet (Hilda) Rockwell, and the late Clarence (Bud) Russell, Lillian (Sis) Stilwell, and Mary (Tootsie) Ackerknecht. Robert was the cherished grandfather of Joseph Lewis, Melissa (Jeremy) Nadeau, Christopher Lewis, Nicholas Young, Ana Nuzback, Joseph Nuzback, and Kyle Elfering. He is the great grandfather of Gabriella Nadeau and Narella Nuzback and survived by many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at Hospice (Amy, Chris, Kristen, Marsha, Lisa, Louise, Mary and Patty, Sonya) and Dr. Brill at Albany VA. Hospital.

Funeral services will be Saturday morning at 11:00 at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. Calling hours for friends and family will be Friday from 5 to 8pm at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be in Memory's Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union Street, Schenectady, NY and the American Lung Association in memory of Robert W. Russell. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com