Russell Lawrence Green, a devoted husband, loving father, treasured grandfather, and loyal friend, passed away on June 7, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family.

Born in Rochester, New York in 1946 to Mildred and Alfred Green, Russell was raised alongside his older sister, Carol Boas (Keith) and younger sister, Barbara Green. He remained connected to his siblings throughout his life and valued his relationships with his nephews, Ryan and Michael Boas, and his niece, Ivy.

Russell married the love of his life, Kathleen Green, and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and enduring commitment. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Christina Green (Jason Hilbert) and Angela Patterson (Andrew Cornwell). Russell took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to Molly, Ely, Clay, Kate, Parker, Maggie, and Tyler. His family was his greatest joy, and he found deep fulfillment in supporting and celebrating each of them.

Russell was also a beloved brother-in-law to Kathleen’s siblings: MaryAnne Ioelu and her late husband, Tapuni Ioelu, and uncle to their late daughter, Melanie; the late Jim Ely and his wife, Karole, and uncle to Jim’s children, Daniel Ely, Marcella Swenson, Susan Hammerstrom, and Patti Tyson; and Paul Ely and his wife, R’Delle, and their daughter, Bella.

Russell graduated from Greece Olympia High School in 1964 and went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Niagara University in 1968, where he was a member of the ROTC. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and reported to Germany for active duty. While stationed in Germany, he was deployed to Vietnam for a year. It was also in Germany, that he met Kathleen Ely, who was working as a teacher for the Department of Defense. The two fell in love and were married on June 23, 1974, in Kathleen's hometown of Arcata, California.

Russell separated from active duty in December of 1974, and he and Kathleen moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. There, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Utah.

Russell and Kathleen welcomed two daughters: Christina, born in July 1983, and Angela, born in July 1984. Russell and Kathleen’s family lived just outside Salt Lake City until they moved to Rochester, NY in August of 1995, to be close to Russell’s extended family. While living in Utah, Russell continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1994. He served in the United States Army for a total of 26 years.

Russell was a computer programmer by trade, whose career spanned organizations such as the Salt Lake City School District, Xerox, Staples, and MVP. Throughout his professional journey, he experienced professional fellowship and made many friends along the way.

Russell was deeply involved in his community, serving in the Knights of Columbus for over 45 years, where he made a contributing difference through faith in action. He was also a proud and active member of the Military Officers Association of America for more than 25 years, advocating for and supporting military personnel at all stages of their careers.

Russell served on the Veterans Memorial Council, helping to coordinate veteran tributes and flag displays at both cemeteries and community events. He was also a devoted supporter of the Honor Flight program.  Russell participated as a Guardian on Mission 20 and was honored as a Veteran on Mission 80 in October 2023.

A gifted musician, Russell played tenor saxophone for 25 years in the Fairport Fire Department Marching Band, and also marched with the Marion Red Caps, the Rush Fire Department Band, and the East Rochester Fire Department Band.

Russell was a world traveler and adventurer. He skied the Alps, rode camels in Tunisia, gazed at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, cruised past glaciers in Alaska, collected sand on Hawaii's Black Sand Beach, camped overnight in a tent in the Sahara, climbed the Great Wall of China, floated through the Panama Canal, snorkeled in Jamaica, and scuba dived in Maui.

A lifelong lover of astronomy and an avid genealogy researcher, Russell spent more than two decades tracing his family’s roots and participating in genealogical organizations. In the final years of his life, he joined the Perinton Men’s Club, where he found friendship and camaraderie among fellow retirees.

Russell lived a life defined by service— to his country, his community, and his family—leaving a legacy of dedication, acquisition of knowledge, and honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that charitable donations be made to 

Honor Flight: https://honorflightrochester.org/donations

The Veterans Outreach Center: https://veteransoutreachcenter.org/ways-to-donate