Clarence H. Russell

St. Regis Falls - Clarence H. Russell, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love and support of his family on July 26, 2013. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls. Clarence was born on June 8, 1929 in Massena, son of the late Clarence H. and Marion I. (Beamis) Russell. He proudly served his country in the Korean War, with the 5th Calvary 1st Battalion out of Ft. Dix, NJ, stationed at Camp Hokkaido in Chitose, Japan. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1953. He married the mother of his children, Elizabeth Riley in 1954; she predeceased him in 1989. On January 4, 1991, he married Ethyl in Lawrence, sharing a 22 year relationship with many memories and bonds that will continue on. He retired from ALCOA in Massena after 37 years, where he worked in the Re-Melt and also operated a car dealership and repair in Lawrenceville known as Russell's Used Cars from the 1950's to 1998. Clarence looked forward to challenges and was motivated to hard work for the well being of his family. He found meaning and camaraderie in his memberships in the St. Regis Falls American Legion and the VFW in North Lawrence. He liked games of chance, woodworking, camping, but loved his home on the river and the opportunity to enjoy the hummingbirds that visited his feeders. He enjoyed reading and would be seen with a paperback book in his hand and also with a puzzle in process on an extra table in his home. He is survived by his wife, Ethyl; eight children, Deborah and William Jones of North Lawrence, Barbara and James Lucey of W. Bangor, Nancy and Gary Gardner of Moira, Betty Jean and Kevin Demers of North Lawrence, Laura and Kevin Robidoux of FL, Kathalynn and Bruce Shonyo of TN, Dr. Clarence Russell III of FL, and Joseph and Brenda Russell of North Lawrence; six step-children, Anthony and Bonnie White of Dickinson, Nancy and Gerald Richards of Brushton, John White of Wilcox, Julie and Francis Coller of Raymondville, roger and Charlene White of Brushton, and Joanne and Charles Maxfield of Nicholville; siblings, Marion and Ross Martin of Adams, TN, Shirley Smith of Massena, Virginia and Richard Daly of Hopkinton, Rosalind and Carl Randall of Massena, Donna and John Weiser of Sunbury, PA, Ellen and Mahlon Beach of North Lawrence, Judith Russell of NJ, Richard and Linda Russell of Lawrenceville; 15 grandchildren; 18 step-grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; many step-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Always close to his heart were the memories of two brothers, Lawrence and Raymond who died as an infant, his sister, Evelyn Merrick and a grandson, Kevin James Robidoux, who predeceased him. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 pm at the Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls with a Vigil Service at 8pm led by Fr. Fish. Graveside services with Military Honors will be Monday, August 5th at 2 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Dickinson Center. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express an act of kindness in Clarence's honor, please consider donations to the St. Regis Falls American Legion Post #322, St. Regis Falls, NY 12980. Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.