Wayne L Russell, 72 of West Oneonta passed away peacefully at Fox Nursing Home Feb. 19, 2016.

He was born Nov. 12, 1943 in Delhi, the son of Lawrence & Georgia (Ruling) Russell. The family lived in Bloomville until his junior year in high school when they moved to Schenevus. After graduation from high school in 1961 he went on to receive an Associates degree in engineering from SUNY Delhi. Wayne went to work for NYS DOT where he worked as a civil engineer for 37 years.

He met his wife Lela (Eller) in high school and after starting his career they were married in 1965. Wayne had many talents, interests and accomplishments. Chief among them was the loving upkeep repairs and remodeling of his home and gardens where the couple raised their 2 boys.

Wayne was a lifetime member of the Elks Club serving as trustee and junior bowling coach for many years. Another priority of Wayne's was golf. He was a long time member of the Oneonta Country Club and loved nothing more than to be on the course with his golfing buddies.

For many years summer weekends were spent by the family aboard their boat on Otsego Lake among their boating friends. Upon retirement Wayne and Lela turned to cross country RV travel. During the winter months they would visit many National Parks and points of interest along the way to California and back.

Wayne is survived by Lela his wife of 50 years; his two sons, David and wife, Michelle of Walden, NY, Michael and Katalin of Berkeley Ca. Three grandchildren; Timothy Russell of Hollywood, Ca, Casey Russell of Walden, NY, Rowan Russell of Berkeley, Ca. plus nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Larry & Georgia Russell; his brother Howard W. Russell and his brother-in-law, Erick Hall

The family would like to thank the staff at Fox Nursing Home for all the care and kindness shown to Wayne during his stay there.

Calling hours will be 1 p.m. to the service at 2 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Judith Thistle, officiating.

Contributions in memory of Wayne in lieu of flowers may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice 1 Birchwood Rd. Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter 4841 St. Hwy 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Online condolence may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com