Louis James Russell Sr

January 28, 1939 - December 25, 2020

Glens Falls – Louis James Russell, Sr. entered the presence of the Savior on Friday, December 25, 2020. Louis was born Saturday, January 28, 1939 to Louis Sylvester and Catherine Newman Russell, in Staten Island, NY. As a child, Louis lived in New Brighton on Staten Island. From eight years old, until he was 17 Louis lived at Mount Loretto Orphanage. As a teenager, he worked at the orphanage farm, which earned him the nickname “Barno” from some of his friends. Louis enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served 4 years aboard the USS IOWA. For the rest of his life he could often be found wearing his IOWA hat and it brought him great pride when people would approach him in the store and comment on the IOWA being such an amazing ship. After discharge from the service, he returned to Staten Island where he met and fell in love with Colleen Lynn Moore. They were married on April 20th 1963. That day they set the world (or at least Staten Island) on fire. Louis worked for the New York Department of Sanitation until his retirement in 1982. Always a hard worker he also worked for his brother-in-law who owned Moore’s Excavation. Ribbing the guys who could never make it in on time as he came from his previous job they coined the phrase “It’s only 9:00” which was painted on his truck. After retiring from the Department of Sanitation, he drove for Trioca Uniform Service. In his spare time, he pitched for the Staten Island Slow Pitch softball league where he teamed with his brothers-in-law and friends. In 1969, he pitched the only no-hitter in league history. In 1984, Louis moved his family up to the Glens Falls Region. Always a driver, he first drove School Bus for Lake George Central Schools and in the summer drove the Trolley for the Lake George RV Park. He then worked for North American Recycling, which was later acquired by Waste Management. Outside of work, Lou spent most of his time either with his family or with his church, making fond memories with both. The family remembers many of his unique sayings, one of the most endearing is “I love you all the way up to the sky, break right through.” He was a member of Bay Road Presbyterian Church for 35 years. In that time, he served in many capacities, including Custodian, Trustee, and Elder. He also played a key role in getting the men’s ministry involved with Promise Keepers in the mid 1990’s and was instrumental in the Saturday morning Men’s Breakfast. Louis had a real, raw and contagious faith; not afraid to speak into the lives of family, friends, and coworkers. In the final years of his life as his health declined, his sense of humor and ready smile remained intact. During that time, Lou was blessed to be able to stay at his home where he was cared for by his loving wife until last spring when it became a physical impossibility to continue. Louis comes from a large close-knit family; being predeceased by daughters Dorothy, and Veronica, and a brother John. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years Colleen of Glens Falls, NY, children: Louis J. Russell Jr. & Ninon (Daigle) (Cohoes, NY), Philip G. Russell (Glens Falls, NY) Colleen L. Russell & her partner Deborah J. Palmer (Hudson Falls, NY), Dennis P. & Sarah (Swortzel) Russell (Staunton, VA), and Daughter-in-Law Patty (Poland) Russell (Lewiston, ME). Louis also leaves behind grandchildren: Amanda L. (Russell) & Patrick Levesque (Lewiston, ME), Joshua A. Russell (Titusville, FL). MacKenzie and Havilah Russell (Staunton, VA) as well as great-grandchildren; Aiden, Addison, and Olivia Levesque (Lewiston, ME.) He also leaves three siblings: Mildred, Lillian, and Robert. Finally, He leaves behind many beloved "outlaws", nieces and nephews as well as friends. Calling hours will be from 4 -7 pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. Due to restrictions, a maximum of 40 people are allowed in the building at one time and masks are mandatory. A celebration of his Life and Witness to The Resurrection will be held 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the South Glens Falls Baptist Church and officiated by the Rev. Dennis Russell. Interment will follow at Pine View Cemetery on Quaker Road in Queensbury. In lieu of flowers that fade the family asks that an enduring legacy be made to the Bay Road Presbyterian Church, 1167 Bay Road, Lake George, New York 12845. Those who wish may make online condolences by visiting our website at sbfuneralhome.com.