Obituary of George Russell

Olean, NY George W. Russell, 94, of 151 N. 15th St. passed away Friday (June 8, 2012) in his home, under the care of his loving family. Born February 10, 1918 in Burndale, PA he was the son of George and Mabel Kellogg Russell. On June 14, 1947 at St. John's Church in Olean he married Dorothy Paugh who predeceased him December 1, 1996. Mr. Russell was a graduate of Burndale High School and later served as a shortwave radio operator in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1948 he attended barber school and began his apprenticeship to Oelkrue's Barber Shop. He worked in Dunshie's Barber Shop, formerly Estes Barber Shop until he was sixty seven when the shop closed. He continued cutting hair until early this year. He spent many enjoyable hours in the company of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had been an avid fisherman all of his life and he enjoyed gardening and woodworking. His enthusiasm for the sport of fishing extended into the hobbies of fly-tying and building fishing poles. Surviving are two daughters Kathy (Robert) Cochran of Smethport, PA and Jamie (Karl) Wyant of Olean; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two sisters Eleanor Pearson and Anita Bowersox and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by three brothers John Willis Russell, John "Jack" Russell and David Russell and five sisters Gertrude Gardner, Allene Thompson, Lucille Miglicio, Rita Mae Ross and Christine Ayers. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday (June 13, 2012) at 11:00am in the funeral home. Pastor Doty McIntyre of Creekside Chapel in Allegany will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Homecare and Hospice 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.