Obituary of Russell W. Leigh

JOHNSBURG:  Russell “Rusty” Leigh, 77, son of the late Russell and Mary (Cleveland) Leigh, passed away at Glens Falls Hospital on June 29, 2022.

Rusty came into this world on January 17, 1945 in Newtonville, NY.  He entered the United States Navy in 1962 and served his country until 1965, he was aboard ship during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was in 2012 that Rusty would obtain his high school diploma, thanks to Operation Recognition. Which recognizes the devotion and sacrifice of all Veterans who left school early by presenting them with a high school diploma.  He was so proud that he would final graduate high school, and graduating with his grandson made it even better.  Rusty was a lineman for many years, a fire observer on Pharaoh Mountain and retired from Gore Mountain where he was an electrician for numerous years.

When not at work he volunteered his time to numerous organizations.  Rusty was a volunteer fireman with Garnet Lake Volunteer Fire Department, union president at Gore Mountain, 4-H volunteer with his best friend Andy Sprague, 13 years promoting Upper Hudson Blue Grass Festival, a fisherman, hunter, tinker, trapper, RV enthusiast, BBQ king, collector of everything, and all around handyman.  The most important role he had was being an amazing husband, father, uncle and teacher. 

Besides his parents, Rusty is predeceased by his daughter Stacie Ross; sister Virginia “Aloha” Skellie; brother-in-law Allen Richards and Robert Hitchcock; special nephew Stephen Skellie and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rusty is being remembered by his wife Jane (Hitchcock) of 38 years; daughter Michele (Victor) Fraser of Johnsburg; Russell (Melissa) Leigh of Queensbury, Gregory (Brooke) Leigh of Johnsburg and Russell Hedger of Whitehall; stepson Michael Monroe of Minerva; stepdaughter Vicky (Rodney) Galusha of Bakers Mills; sisters Mary Ann Richards of Pleasant Valley, Wanda (John) Armstrong of Chestertown and Jonnie Leigh of Piti, Guam; grandchildren Heather Leigh, Michael Allen, Ethan Gereau, Lydia Leigh, Sophia Leigh, Scarlett Leigh and Silas Leigh; several nieces and nephews with two special nephews Allen Scott Richards and Russell Skellie.

Donations in Rusty’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Friends may call on Rusty’s family from 11am – 1pm, Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street.  A memorial service will be conducted at 1pm.  Burial will follow in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.