Obituary of Donald A. Russell

Don A. Russell, loving husband, father and grandfather, 71, of Cortland passed away after a courageous battle with lung disease on July 9, 2015 at Cortland Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Donald was born on December 22, 1943 in Cortland to the late Glenn and Ruth Gillette Russell. Don drove tractor trailer for many years and then went on to work for the Cortland County Highway Department, where he retired from. Don was a long time member of the Little York Lake Community having lived on the lake for the last 35 years. He recently moved to Cortland. He was proud to be able to raise all of his children on the lake. He enjoyed hunting, playing computer games, watching football, NASCAR, and loved to spend time with his grandchildren, and time on the boat. Don is survived by his wife Betsy of 38 years. His sons; Michael (Christine) Russell of Cortland, Christopher (Tracy Thompson) Hall of Cortland, Brian (Amy) Hall of Little York, Matthew Russell of Little York, his daughter Beth (Shawn) Potts of Homer, brothers; David (Janice) Russell, Dale Russell, sisters; Doris (Eileen Callaghan) Russell, Dorothy Peterson, Diane (Lyle) Buddenhagan, grandchildren; Amara Potts, Aidan Potts, Cody Hall, Logan Hall, Christopher Hall, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother in law John Peterson Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM – Noon at Wright-beard Funeral Home, with a service to begin at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Donald's name to the American Lung Association of central NY 1595 Elmwood Ave. Rochester NY 14620 or Cortland County SPCA 879 McLean Road Cortland NY 13045.