BEACON - William G. Russett, Sr., 77, an area resident since 1986 and formerly of Cortland, died on September 4, 2021 at the Fishkill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Hamilton on January 14, 1944, he was the son of James and Viola (Denslow) Russett. Bill proudly served our country in the US Army. For 40 years, he was employed by the New York State Department of Corrections at Green Haven Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2006 as a Lieutenant.

William was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Fishkill where he served as a Board Member and was the Director of Children's Ministries. He also was a Girl Scout Leader for three troops, was the Associate State Coordinator for AARP Defensive Driving Classes and was a Dare to Care Leader. He was an avid fan of the NY Mets and enjoyed reading and the music of Johnny Cash.

On June 17, 1984 in Ossining, William married Elizabeth Remson who survives at home. He is also survived by his son, William Russett Jr. and his fiancé Paula; his daughter, Gloria Russett and her fiancé Patrick; his daughter, Kristin Forsythe and her husband Scott; his stepdaughter, Kathy Brooks and her husband Calvin; his brother, James Russett and his wife Mary; his former wife and friend, Jennie Russett; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Sonja Russett in 1982; and his sister, Patricia Hill in 1976.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 1-3pm at the Church of the Nazarene, 953 Main Street, Fishkill. There will be a Funeral Service at 3pm. Masks will be required at the church. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Georgetown on September 25, 2021. Arrangements are under the direction of McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation or Stray Help (Cat food and litter for fosters and ferals can be brought to the service on Saturday).