Robert E. Russell, 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 4, 2015. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Frances Russell and by his beloved sister, Margaret Ann (Iggy) Bortnick and her husband, Martin Bortnick, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Russell; five daughters, Pamela, Nancy, Ellen, Margaret, and Jodee; and one son, Robert Russell II. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Marley, Mary Ellen, Katie, Jesse, Matt, Hunter, and Harlea; one great grandson, Dominick; and a brother in law and sister in law, Charles and Lolita. Mr. Russell was the retired owner of H.J. Russell, Inc. of Vestal. He was a stock car enthusiast, racing the Slant Six at Five Mile Point and Shangri-La Speedway. He was also an honorably discharged veteran serving with the U.S. Marines Corps and was a life member of the BPOE.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Saturday from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider an expression of sympathy to St. Jude Children’s Research Center.