LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Mr. Richard Persons Russ,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Richard Persons Russ of Chenango Forks, New York, died on
Friday, December 19, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Richard Russ distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Richard Russ' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Richard Russ had many roles, but he is best known as a teach-
er and football coach, both life callings that brought him purpose and
joy; he received a BA degree in History from SUNY Cortland in 1963 and
earned a Master's in 1966; he also taught high school social studies for
32 years, two at Norwich and 30 at Chenango Forks; and
WHEREAS, Richard Russ began a 40-year coaching career in 1965, as
assistant coach to his friend Jerry Taylor at Chenango Forks High
School; he was in charge of defense at the time and took great pride,
throughout his life, in his ability as a defensive coordinator; in 1977,
Richard became head coach at Forks, where he remained until 1995 and had
a career record of 117-57-3, including 10 league or divisional champion-
ships, seven NYS Section IV finals, and five Section IV championships;
during his last year at Forks, he was named the Section IV Coach of the
Year; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, after retiring from Chenango Forks, Richard Russ
became the head coach at Maine-Endwell (M-E) High School, after two
seasons, he took the team to a NYS Section IV championship, a NYS
Central Region championship, and the NYS semi-finals; that year, 1998,
he was honored as the BINGHAMTON PRESS Coach of the Year and NYS Foot-
ball Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Richard Russ remained at M-E for eight years, resulting in
seven winning seasons and a record of 49-29; in 2004, he joined the
sprint football staff at Cornell, where he helped to coordinate the
team's defense for two seasons; and
WHEREAS, Richard Russ is survived by his wife, Edie, their children,
Lisa, Richard, Ann, Amy, his eight grandchildren, Travis, Stephanie,
Austin, Sophie, Blaine, Clara, Julia, and Louis as well as his niece,
Dorinne Russ and numerous other family members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Mr. Richard Persons Russ, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Richard Persons Russ.