Cleo Russ

October 7, 2002

Cleo E. Russ, age 85, of 166 Franklin St., Lakewood, died at 8:44 P.M. Friday (OCt 4, 2002) in WCA Hospital. He was born Sept 6, 1917 in Corning, NY, son of William and Clara Russ. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and before retiring, had worked for 35 years as a paint sprayer at Adanlock Manufacturing Company. He was a life member of John W. Tiffany Post #53, VFW and the Carroll Rod and Gun Club; was also a member of Herman Kent Post #777 American Legion, Falconer Rod and Gun Club, War Vets Recreation Club, and Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association. For many years he had played the role of Santa Claus at Buffalo Children's Hospital. He loved the outdoors, camping, and all his children. He also loved the name given him by his friends: "The Old Coot" Survivors: Son - David A. Russ Daughters - Janet A. Dawley and Joyce M. Seekins Grandchildren - Becky Hamm, Bryon Stevens, Belinda Newman, Brad Stevens, Bruce Stevens, Jackie Courtney, Lucinda Wilson, Kris Russ, Jeffrey Cowen Step Grandchildren - Lauri Bachman, Scott Seekins, Kari Seekins, Kim Gregorec 21 Great Grandchildren, 7 Step Great Grandchildren Brothers - William Borstoff and Kenneth Russ Companion - Gladys Tingue He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sally Stevens; 3 grandchildren: Robert Stevens, Courtney Russ, Tina Dawley; great granddaughter, Bailey Newman, sister: June Meabon; stepfather - William Borstoff Rev. Tim Price will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Panama Memorials: Buffalo Children's Hospital 219 Bryant St. Buffalo NY 14222