Richard J. Russell

Olean- Richard J. “Dick” Russell, of Two Mile Road, passed away Friday (June 10, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Born December 25, 1931, in Olean, he was the son of the late Leon and Helen Carls Cappon Russell. On September 6, 1958, in St. Mary of the Angels Church, he married Shirley Kyser, who predeceased him on January 13, 2015.

Dick was a graduate of Olean High School, Erie County Technical College, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked for Niagara Mohawk in Olean for 36 years, until his retirement.

Dick will be remembered as a hardworking, devoted family man to his wife and children.  He was a world class storyteller with a great sense of humor and always loved a good joke.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed tree farming, woodworking, gardening, and skiing.  He loved golfing and was a former member of the St. Bonaventure Golf Course, Pine Acres Golf Club in Bradford, PA, the Miles Grant Country Club of Stuart, FL. He made a healthy lifestyle his priority.

Surviving family members are three children, Gary (Marianne) Russell of Aurora, OH, Michele Russell of Victor, NY, and Lawrence (Marilyn) Russell of Decatur, GA; three grandchildren, Drew, Molly, and Maeve Russell; one brother, David (Ria) Russell of Austin, TX; and one sister, Ann Dygert of Gainesville, FL.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean on Friday (June 17, 2022) from 10:30am until 12:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1pm at St. Bonaventure Church.  Rev. James Vacco, OFM, will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made of the donor’s choice in honor of Dick Russell.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com