QUEENSBURY — Russell H. Wright, 86, of Evergreen Lane, Queensbury, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 6, 2013, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's and dementia at Fort Hudson Nursing Center.
Born Oct. 16, 1927, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late George W. and M. Emma (Belrose) Wright.
At only 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II, and was honorably discharged Dec. 1, 1947. He returned to high school to finish his education, where he met Millie.
Russell graduated from Glens Falls High School, class of 1948.
On Sept. 25, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Mildred "Millie" Floyd, at St. Mary's in Glens Falls. They attended church at St. Alphonsus, where he was an usher and Eucharistic minister, until its closing.
Russell was a dedicated manager/auditor for Grand Union grocery stores for 45 years.
Going mountain climbing and hiking in the great outdoors with his family was one of his favorite pastimes. He also had a great joy for watching John Wayne western movies and NASCAR.
As a child, Russell joined the Boy Scouts, and he was a lifelong member. He served as a scoutmaster, volunteering many hours at Camp Wakpominee. Russell earned the Silver Beaver award, which is the highest honor bestowed to leaders for distinguished service. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion. Russell served as a past Commander of American Legion Post No. 553 in South Glens Falls, American Legion Post No. 37 in Saint Augustine, Fla., and District Commander of Saratoga County.
In addition to his parents, Russell was predeceased by an infant daughter; two brothers, Raymond Wright and Robert Wright and his wife, Barbara; one sister, Ernestine Bonan and her husband, Steve; a grandson, Russell H. Wright II; and a brother-in-law, Frank V. Williams.
Survivors include their eight children: David Wright of South Glens Falls and his children, Joni, Adam, Nate, Brent, Gage and Seth; G. Jeffrey Wright of South Glens Falls and his children, Melanie, Jason, Kerrie, Rachael, and Justin; Gail (René) Beaudet of South Glens Falls and their children, Kimberly and Andrew; Cathy (Brad) Williams of Queensbury and their children, Ryan and Hannah; Lisa Robison (John Richichi) of Glens Falls and her children, Benjamin and Kyle; Colleen Wright (Kevin Ebel) of Lake Oswego, Ore.; Christine (Fred) Curtis of Warrensburg and their children, Sara and Zachary; and Leslie (Clark) Wilkinson of Queensbury and their children, Rebecca and Duncan; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Williams of South Glens Falls; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gorrie, Sharon Newton and Janice Blackwood; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Friends may call upon the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.
A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with Deacon Bill Bazinet officiating.
Burial, with military honors, will take place at a later date at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Saratoga.
Donations may be made in loving memory of Russell to the American Cancer Society, 959 Route 9, Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804; the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, William Black Medical Research Building, 630 W. 168th St., New York, NY, 10032; or the Boy Scouts of America.
The family would like to immensely thank the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, S & G wings, especially Amanda and Ann Marie.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or emailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.