| Date of Birth | November 8, 1942 |
| Passed Away | May 9, 2010 |
| Place of Residence | Cohocton |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | May 14, 2010 |
| Service Time | 5 P.M. |
| Service Location | Avoca Funeral Home |
| Interment Location | Bath National Cemetery |
ROBERT D. RUSSELL
GRAPEVINE,Tx./COHOCTON-Robert D. Russell, 67, of Grapevine TX, formerly of Cohocton, while visiting his sister in Avoca, passed away Sunday (May 9, 2010) at the Syracuse V.A. Hospital.
Russ was appointed to West Point after graduation from Cohocton Central School, but because of his eye sight, he was unable to accept the appointment. After a short time attending Alfred State College, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962 and retired in 1983 as a Lieutenant and was awarded the Navy Commendation Metal. While in the Navy he graduated from Chaminade University in Hawaii with a BA degree in Business. Upon retiring from the Navy he earned an MBA from Indiana University and started a career in the telecommunication field specializing in 9-1-1.
As an expert in telecommunications and research, Russ was a key team member integrating the nation’s 9-1-1 systems and wireless location services allowing for 9-1-1 dispatchers to locate cell phone users in time of emergency. His command of the subject matter afforded him key authorship and was a contributor to many publications on emergency communications, including the National Emergency Number Association’s 9-1-1 Report Card to the Nation which was submitted to the United States Congress in a ceremony on September 11, 2001, literally moments before the terrorist attacks.
His hobbies including reading, photography and wine.
He was predeceased by his father, John G. Russell of Hammondsport and his mother Marie Russell Sprague of Wayland.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Judith A. Russell of Grapevine, TX; his son, Robert Jr. of Virginia and his sister, Helen Russell Lyke of Avoca.
Calling hours are from 3-5 p.m. Friday at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca, where a funeral and committal service will be held following calling hours at 5 p.m. Friday. Interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Grapevine, TX.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Avoca Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 3Chase St., Avoca, NY 14809 or to the Dormann Library, 101 W. Morris St., Bath, NY 14810.
Oh piffle Russ! You were the best kind of friend: kind, generous, honest, funny, loyal, and a wonderful husband to Judy. We will remember you…fondly.
I worked with Russ at GTE in Irving and he was one of the good guys. As a fellow vet, I salute him for his dedication to serving our country.
It is an honor and privilege to have worked with Russ at GTE. He truly saved lives with his expertise in emergency services innovation and leadership. We will all miss you.
I worked with Russ at GTE and remember his kind, loving nature. He was a hard worker and great co-worker. Russ, you will be missed.
To Russ’ family….May God stand by you to give you strength during this most difficult time. You have lost a treasure, may he rest in peace. Remember always, Helen, that you are in my heart and prayers.
I am deeply sorry about his passing. God Bless all
Russ, You and I shared our early years in Cohocton, NY until you left High School to venture out into the world. In the last ten years, via the internet we became acquainted once again and enjoyed being in contact and discussing our families and technical challenges in our chosen business fields. I, as your family/friends will miss your kind manner and intellect.
That God will help the family through these times…
When we were young, my cousin Russ had a closet full of comic books. I couldn’t wait to visit in the summers because he let me hide out and read them. As we got older, he kept in touch. He didn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve, but he was there when you needed him and he always had a nice word to say. He will be missed.
What a wonderful, intelligent man he was. We so enjoyed our neighborhood gatherings and his knowledge of wine, which, of course included wine tastings. A trip to his library was a MUST! My children appreciated Russ taking time to help them with their many projects and research papers. He will be missed!
Russ was the intellect amongst us, but never used that position to downplay others. Honesty, God & Country, and Fine wines will come to mind in remembering Russ. We’ll miss him.
I worked with Russ for a number of years in Product Management at GTE. His bright and cheery personality is always something I will remember. And his dedicated and respected work in the 9-1-1 arena is a great legacy. We will miss you, Russ.
What a wonderful, intelligent man he was. We so enjoyed our neighborhood gatherings and his knowledge of wine, which, of course included wine tastings. A trip to his library was a MUST! My children appreciated Russ taking time to help them with their many projects and research papers. He will be missed!
On behalf of his scores of Democratic friends in Grapevine, you have our sincere condolences.
He will be missed.
I will always remember Russ fondly. A kind, positive man who could talk about any subject. Loved seeing him and Judith (Judy) at the wine events together. He will be missed.
It took some time to get used to having a brother inlaw, but Russ was the best. I will forever remember him, and miss him.
I only meet him recently about 2 years ago but I thought he was a grewat person and I will miss him
You couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor and friend. You will always be in our thoughts.
Russ,
ISPE will miss you. I will miss you.
May you rest in Peace.
Saludos desde México,
Tom
As a past president of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry, and a Lieutenant of the United States Navy, he will be sorely missed by both organizations.
Fair winds and following seas.
James A Kulacz, AT2, USN (Ret); ISPE Associate
Helen, Although I never met your brother,Rich I felt like I kind of knew him because you were always so excited when he was coming to visit and would tell me of some of the fine things he was doing . I am so sorry and and pray that God will comfort you in your loss.