Russell E. Hyson

Mr. Russell E. Hyson, 62, of Friendship, New York died early Thursday morning, September 18, 2014 at his home following a long illness.

Born April 30, 1952 in Albion, New York, he was the son of Louise A. Frank Hyson, Salamanca, New York, and the late Edward A. Hyson.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School Class of 1970.

He served in the United States Navy from 1972 – 1978 aboard the USS Dewey, a Guided Missile Destroyer, as an E-6 Electronics Warfare Technician. He also held the titles of Assistant Collateral Duty Intelligence Officer, Enlisted Duty Section Leader, Duty Master at Arms, and Import Quarterdeck Watch Officer. He had skilled knowledge in microwave receivers and transmitters, equipment operation training, naval intelligence analyzing, naval equipment, and electronics. He attended the Electronic Warfare School, where he graduated with a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Battle Efficiency “E”, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

He had been employed for over 25 years as a Field Engineer for IBM, retiring in 2007.

Mr. Hyson was a member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed the outdoors, boating, and target shooting. He was known for his theme parties and his great sense of humor.

Surviving besides his mother are: 2 sons, Stephen Hyson, Dover, NH, Matthew (Jackie Forand) Hyson, NH; 2 sisters, Gail (Jim) Hostuttler, Corning, New York, Judy (Brett) Lefford, Little Valley, NY; 3 brothers, Steven (Denise) Hyson, Philadelphia, PA, Tim (Kathy John) Hyson, Great Valley, NY, Paul Hyson, Little Valley, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Friday, September 19, 2014 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, September 20th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Daniel Buringrud of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Allegany, New York, officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to HomeCare & Hospice, the Salamanca Public Library, or the National Rifle Association.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.