Bridgewater, Vermont-

John T. Russ, 70, died Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in White River Junction, after a long illness.

He was born November 6, 1942 in Jamaica, Queens, NY, a son of Kostica G and Margaret (Lehman) Russ. John was raised in the St. Francis Boys Home in Ellsworth, KS and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1961. He immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps and served during the Cuban Missile Crises as a mine installer around Guantanamo Bay Navel Station. In 1965 he was honorably discharge from the Marine Corp and shortly thereafter he joined the Air Force. During this time he served in three Red Horse Engineering Squadrons in Vietnam 66-67 in the 820th CES, 68-69 823rd, and 70-71 554th CES. In 1972 he retired from the military and he traveled the world before settling down in 1984. He was married to Sandra Robinson and the resided in Cornish, NH for fifteen years later moving to Bridgewater. During this time he worked for many years at Thermal Dynamics in Lebanon retiring in 2009. He liked to keep busy so he later held a job at Welch's True Value in Woodstock, VT.

John was an avid fisherman, an accomplish hunter and wildlife photographer who enjoyed spending time in the water kayaking and taking in the sights. But what he loved most was spending time with his wife and family.

He is predeceased by a son, Michael A. Russ and a step-brother Robert McCleve.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Russ of Bridgewater; a son Thomas J. Russ of Ruskin, FL; two daughters, Ramona Rene Sylvis of Ruskin, FL and Jill Lamy of Plant City, FL, a step-daughter, Robin Verge of Pensacola, FL and seven grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Bridgewater Congregational Church at 11AM. Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction assisted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, PO Box 73, Bridgewater Corners, VT 05035