Harold R. Burton

Portville- Harold “Russ” Burton, of Highland Terrace, Portville, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday (September 13, 2023) at the Olean General Hospital.

Born March 17, 1939, in Eldred, PA, he was the son of the late Howard and Gertrude Morris Burton. On April 16, 1960, he married the former Rosalie A. Nudd, who predeceased him on October 7, 2010.

Russ began his working career at the age of 12 as a golf caddy. He later worked at several different gas stations in the area. He went on to work at Portville Forest Products from 1972 until 1989. From 1989 until 1990, Russ worked for the former Con-way Freight in Olean until the business went on strike and the employees weren’t called back to work.

He drove the school bus for Portville Central School and was affectionately known as “Mr. B.” to many students on his route.  In 2022, he retired from the St. Bonaventure Golf Club where he had worked for several years.

Russ is survived by; two daughters, Lisa (Greg) Reed of Hinsdale and Lori (Jeff) Woods of Olean; his grandchildren, Randi Beck, Daniel (Hailee) Cowell, Alexis (Edward) Burton, Joshua Tyler, and Paul “P.J.” Tyler, Tia (James) Billyard; great-grandchildren, Savannah Chiapuso, Isabelle and Gabriella Phearsdorf, Everly Beck, Hunter, Blake and Remington Cowell, Hayden, Asher, Ellie, and Zandon Tyler, Zaeleigh, Wilson, Eligh, Evaeh, Adilyn Billyard; and one great-great grandson, Myles Tyler; three brothers, Leroy (Kathy) Burton, Wade (Deanna) Burton, and Richard (Janet) Burton; one sister, Eunice (Thomas) Sandrick; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by; one brother, Paul Burton, and a great-granddaughter, Zoey- Rose Wilson.  

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, 51 S. Main Street, Portville, on Monday from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (September 19, 2023) at 11 am the First Presbyterian Church of Portville, 19 N. Main Street, Portville. Burial will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Portville or to the Portville Food Pantry, both located at 19 N. Main Street, Portville, NY 14770.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.