Russell F. Ferris, born February 19, 1939, left this world on October 2nd, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and the occasional eyeroll. He devoted his life to teaching and inspiring the next generation as a lifelong science teacher. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom; he served as the Men's Lacrosse Coach at Siena College (1966-1983, Hall of Famer) and Guilderland High School Boys Lacrosse Coach/Section II Chairman (1984-1997), mentoring countless student-athletes and instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and integrity. He inspired everyone who knew him with his fiery spirit and unwavering belief in their potential.

Russ was born in Syracuse, NY, the oldest of four. His family engrained in him his strong work ethic, beliefs, and values that guided his life. He loved sports, playing football, basketball, track and lacrosse for Split Rock High School (now West Genesee), and then for Cortland State.

Married to his beloved wife, Maureen P. Ferris (Kneeshaw) for 59 remarkable years, together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and plenty of inside jokes ("Hat's on Mo").

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; their children, Michele Hoffmann (Paul), Kim Waters (Chad), Kristen Hogan (Jim). His 8 grandchildren (Reilly Hogan, Sylvie Waters, Ryan Hoffmann, Avery Waters, Shea Hogan, Ellery Hogan, Brady Hoffmann, and Grace Hoffmann) will forever remember their Pop's fortitude, sense of humor, integrity, and resilience ("We can do hard things", "There's no crying in Bolton!").

He is also survived by his brother Jerry Ferris and sister-in-law Gerry (and family), sister Barbara Ann Youmell (Chuck and family), and predeceased by his parents Genevieve and Russell, and youngest brother Mickey (Sue and family). He will forever be in the hearts of his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walter and Betty Rehm (and family), Skip and Dede Kneeshaw (and family), David and Carolann Kneeshaw (and family), and Joe and Dorry Silvey (and family), a wealth of nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends from Cortland State University, Miami University, Guilderland School District, Siena College, the global lacrosse community, Gore Mountain, and his beloved Lake George and Bolton Landing community.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY at 1:00pm on Sunday October 13th, 2024. We invite you to join us at a reception immediately following the service at Schuyler Meadows Club, 17 Schuyler Meadows Road, Loudonville, NY.

Visitation will be held on Monday October 14th, 2024, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette Street, Queensbury, NY, where we invite you to share your favorite Russell stories —preferably the ones that make us laugh until we cry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of these worthy organizations honoring Russ's lifelong commitment to education, the community, and his friends. World Central Kitchen , Attn: Donor Services Team, PO Box 96538, Washington DC  20090-6538; The Donna M. Crandall Memorial Foundation , c/o Lisa Crandall, 50 Traditional Ln, Loudonville, NY 12211; USA Lacrosse , 2 Loveton Cir, Sparks, MD 21152; or High Peaks Hospice , 1247 Dix Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

Though he may have left this earth, Russ Ferris will always be remembered for his quick wit, boundless love, and the unforgettable impact he had on everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a treasure trove of memories, and while we will miss Russ's larger-than-life presence, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit will forever guide us. Rest easy, Dad.