RUSSELL CORN Russ Corn finally penned in the date to meet with his late wife, Jane. Rumor has it they are going to meet at a nice spot and listen to some cool jazz. He'll probably have a few beers and maybe even have a cigar. O. Russell Corn, 87, of Utica, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. He was born in Amsterdam, NY on April 21, 1919, the son of Otto and Emmaline (McMahon) Corn. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from Utica Free Academy. Just before World War II he joined the National Guard but during the war transferred to the Army Air Corps and saw combat in the Pacific Theater. On August 27, 1942 Russ married Jane Sanderl in a loving union that lasted over 63 years. Mrs. Corn passed away in 2005. After the war Russ went to work for the New York Telephone Company ultimately rising to switchboard technician, a position he maintained until his retirement in 1982. Russ was an iconic character in many ways, a truly unique individual. He was a mass of contradictions. He was very liberal on most issues and could care less for most standard notions of proper dress or social convention, yet was a dedicated father and husband in the most traditional sense. He dearly loved his wife and kids yet thought nothing wrong with having pinups in his den. He sometimes seemed the youngest of his wife's seven kids. Armed with his berét, cigar and at the wheel of his convertible with the top always down (even in the winter), at the tiller of his boat or just listening to some jazz in his den. Russ really knew how to have a good time. For him work was only a means to an end, not the end itself, but he also really loved his job too. He wanted his kids to succeed and be accepted but really only encouraged them to fulfill inner goals. Money and status didn't impress him, yet he was frugal none-the-less. He was a really ardent democrat and had little use for anyone not similarly enlightened. He championed minorities and the little guy and was unabashed in his opinions. Laid back he wasn't, but he wanted you to think he was. He was either loved or hated. You always knew where he stood. Strong-willed, stubborn and smart. Russ belonged to several organizations including: a lifetime member of the Communication Workers of America, a founder and lifetime member of the Mohawk Valley Sports Car Club, and the Mohawk Valley Jazz Society, a longtime member of the Oneida Lake Sailing Club and a member of the VFW of New York Mills. As a younger man he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and in later life this gave way to bird watching. Although he combined hobbies when it came to the pigeons and squirrels at his bird feeders. Neighbors often remarked about seeing Russ in his BVD's armed with his pellet gun looking for big game in the backyard on any given morning. He also was a great supporter of the local economy, especially the Utica Club Brewery. Mr. Corn is survived by three daughters and sons in law, Linda and Ron Wakeel, Boca Raton; Marcia and Tom Ciola, Orlando; Sheila and Tim Savoy, Sauquoit; four sons and two daughters in law, Michael and Jan Corn, Barneveld; Tim Corn, Utica; Peter Corn, New Hartford; David and Norah Corn, Sylvan Beach; 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Besides his wife, Russell is predeceased by a sister, Marjorie Freytag. He also leaves behind great friends in Fred and Jo Kilburn and Don and Shirley Reese. A memorial service for Russell will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro Street, Utica with the Reverend Felix Colossimo presiding. Internment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family. Memorial visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice in Russell's memory. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Sitrin Home and St. Elizabeth Hospital for their care and compassion to Russ. Russ's ashes will be buried on top of Jane's. He thought that was a great idea!