John Willam Russell of Corfu, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024. John was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 1, 1947, he was the son of the late William Russell and Shirlee Russell Arsenault and the late Donald La Fantasie.
John served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict.
John worked as a media director at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf; as an assistant professor at Canisius College and Genesee Community College; and as librarian/media specialist at Pembroke Junior Senior High School. John volunteered at his parish, St. Maximilian Kolbe. He was also a former president of and volunteer at the Corfu Volunteer Fire Department.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy. He leaves two daughters, Joy Dawn Kaufman of Naples, Florida and Hope Lynne Russell (Kelly Cruttenden) of Buffalo, NY. John had four grandchildren, Allan John Wade, Ty Christopher Kaufman, Faith Emilee Kaufman and Blake James Kaufman. John had several brothers and sisters, the late Rusty Russell, Lynne Russell, Lisa Russell Hahn (Tom), Dawn Russell, Donna and Stan Kellar, Dan and Sandy La Fantasie, Joyce Nash and Martin Nash. He also had many nieces, nephews and cousins for Arkansas, California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts and Virginia: Bonnie, Wesley, Rob, Brian, Jodee (Jake), Greg, Peter, James and Claudia.
There will be no calling hours or church service. Burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu, NY on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 2 PM. All are welcome to attend the ceremony.
People may remember John prayer at their place of worship. Memories may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.org.@4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300; Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or All Babies Cherished, 445 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020.
John requested that people honor his memory by loving their family, loving their country and loving God. Arrangements were entrusted to C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, NY. Call 585-599-4520 with any questions.
