Obituary of Donald J. Russ

Vernon- Donald J. Russ Sr., age 90, of State Route 5 passed away peacefully Monday evening January 29, 2024 in the Oneida Health Care with his loving family at his side.

  He was born on February 11, 1933 in Mottville-Skaneateles, New York a son of the late Earl P. and Dorothy R. Burleigh (Russ) and attended their local schools.

  On March 8, 1952 Donald and Carol A. Scribner were united in marriage at the Fist United Methodist Church of Oneida have shared this loving vow of over seventy-one years together.

  Donald had many different jobs in life, as a young man starting as a milk peddler with Dewan Dairy and worked with his father at the Flying A Service Station in the Oneida Flats. He laid riprap rock for the railroad bridges between Oneida and Canastota and was a pole barn builder.

He had a thirty-year career at Oneida Limited Silversmiths as a factory service representative and millwright.

  In his spare times he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and most especially horse back riding which he enjoyed for many years with his wife Carol. 

  He was a devote Christian assisting with the building of the Beacon Light Baptist Church of Vernon and the establishment of the New Life Assembly Church of Oneida.

  Donald is survived by his wife Carol, children, John Russ (Kathy) of Georgia, Mark Russ (Mary) of Richfield Springs, Donald Russ Jr. of Rome, Michael Russ (Sandra) of Oneida, Suzanne Hill (Mark) of Albany, 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Ruthie Donald of Oneida, Ellie Pettigrew of Oneida, Fran Joseph of Sherrill, Linda Widger of Canastota and Deberah Cary of Canastota and many nieces and nephews.

  Donald was predeceased by his sisters Dotti Russ and Joan Russ-Albro

  The family invites friends to call on Friday February 2, 2024 for 4:00 to 6:00 at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 23 Front Street, Vernon, NY.  Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Michael Usborne officiating. Spring burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Oneida, New York. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com