Obituary: ​John T. Russell, of West Islip, Dies at 92

Died: October 15, 2016

Visitation: Wednesday, October 19 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home on 255 Hibgie Lane in West Islip.

Service: Thursday, October 20 at the Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home.

Obituary: John T. Russell, of West Islip, passed away on Saturday, October 15 at his home. He was 92.

Russell was born in Cohay, Mississippi to his late parents, Dow and Annabelle. He grew up on his family's farm, gaining the love and respect of the outdoors.

He joined the Army, entering the service at Fort Shelby in Mississippi; and served in World War II in the Infantry.

Many soldiers returning home did so through Fort Hamilton; as he also did, and here is where he met the former Norma Stephenson, a young lady who worked on the base. They dated until Russell was discharged from the Army, and they were married in 1945.

The couple moved their family to Long Island in 1960, buying a home in Roosevelt. As their family grew, the moved out to West Islip, where they raised their five children.

In his years of work, Russell was a Produce Manager for the Bohack Supermarket in Babylon.

At home, he still enjoyed and maintained his love for farming in his treasured garden and the ducks, geese and chickens they raised.

After his retirement, he still enjoyed hunting with his beloved dog, Rusty (who has passed), fishing and his garden. He also enjoyed watching football and baseball.

Russell is survived by his wife of 71 years and his children: Gail Beckman and son-in-law, Stuart; Norma Jean Schwint and son-in-law, Ronald; Cynthia Wilson; and Robin Ann Russell Randall and son-in-law, Frank; and his son John David Russell.

He is also survived by his grandchildren - Scott, Shane, Chandra, Andrew, Erik, Sara, Michael, Amanda, Abigail and Heather Marie; two great-grandchildren - Madison and Elizabeth Rose; and his siblings - Mims and Horace. John is predeceased by his brother, Herschel and his sister, Eleanor.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans) at www.dav.org; or by regular mail, send your check made payable to "Disabled American Veterans" to DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.