Mr. Michael R. Russell

December 29, 1950 - October 21, 2015

Mr. Michael R. Russell, 64 of 9 Hubbard Street, Cortland, NY passed away Wednesday October 21, 2015. Michael is the son of Lloyd J. Russell Sr. and Helen (Shampine) Wright. He was born December 29, 1950 in Potsdam, NY and moved to Cortland as a teenager. Upon graduation from Cortland High School he enlisted in the United States Army and served a large part of his enlistment as Chief Instructor for the Army Intelligence Agency in Fort Devens, MA. Michael retired from the Army in 1990 and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Mike cared deeply about his friends and family and had a gentle loving heart. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and accepted. For over twenty years Mike provided excellent care and companionship for his mother. He enjoyed flowers and plants of all kinds and loved cooking. He was known to generously share his recipes on social media. Mike loved to tell stories about his extensive travels to Thailand, Germany, Korea and Turkey as well as across the United States. He could speak knowledgeably for hours on most any subject and spoke 9 languages. Michael is predeceased by his father Lloyd J. Russell Sr., brother Steven R. Russell, and step-father Milo C. Peck. He is survived by his mother Helen Wright, sisters Sandy (Bill) Lewis, Lori (Ted) Hudson, brothers Robert (Joanna) Peck and Kevin (Teresa) Peck, Lloyd (Joanna) Russell, and step mother Marion Russell. His extended family includes seven additional siblings, many nieces and nephews and his beloved K-9 companion Christopher. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday October 28, 2015 from the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home, 69 North Main St., Cortland, NY. Rev. Allan Ferguson will preside. The family will receive friends from 2-4pm in the chapel with a service beginning at 4pm. There will be a celebration of life to follow the service at the Eagles Club on Port Watson St. in Cortland.