Al Russell of 111 North Clinton St. Olean passed away Friday, June 8, 2012 at home, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Al was born on Nov. 7, 1938 in Jamestown and was a son of Claude A. & Elaine Stone Russell. He was formerly married to Marion Miller. He served in the U.S Marines from Nov. 13, 1955 to Nov. 21, 1958 and reached the rank of Corporal. Al lived in Florida for several years and returned in about 1972 when he purchased Portville TV Sales and Service which he ran until his retirement in 2000. He was an avid fisherman, woodworker & cabinet maker. His true love was horses. Al would adopt & rescued wild mustangs and burros to give a better life and living condition. He was very active in the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and it's Wild Mustang Program.
Al is survived by a daughter, Andria M. Simpson-Russell of Conklin, NY; a stepson, Eric J. (Nancy) Simpson of Fairport, NY; several step grand and great grandchildren and nieces & nephews; a step brother, William J. Myers of Houlka, Mississippi; extended family, Jacquie, Corky & Cheyenne Russell; and special friend, Shirley Gavit of San Angelo, Texas.
Al was pre-deceased by his mother & stepfather, Elaine & Verlin S. Myers Sr.; his father, Claude A. Russell; five siblings, Ernest Russell, Marion Pfeiffer, Virginia Bennett, Verlin S. Myers, Jr. and Betty Jane Blue; a niece, Bonnie Green, and a nephew, Charles Irwin.
Friends will be received in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean, on Monday, June 11, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at which time a Memorial Service will be held. The Rev. Less E. Chamber, Pastor of the West Clarksville Baptist Church will officiate. A private burial service will be held in the Hinsdale Cemetery, Maple Hurst, with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 ritual team. There will a gathering for all to attend at the St. Stephan's Club at 4:30 pm to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr. Triangle, VA 22172 or to Up State New York Transplant, Buffalo. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.