Russell DeBoy

Mr. Russell “Butts” DeBoy, 88, of Marion County, FL died Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at home following a short illness.

Born April 7, 1931 in Limestone, NY, he was the son of the late John and Julia Connors DeBoy. He was married April 3, 1993 in Ocala, FL to the former Diane Haley, who survives.

Mr. DeBoy was a veteran of the United States Army, serving stateside in Valley Forge General Hospital. He enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam War.

He was employed as a licensed plumber at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Allegany State Park for over 20 years, retiring in 1993. He had formerly worked for the Erie Railroad. He had been employed by Nies Plumbing during the building of the relocation homes in Jimersontown and Steamburg and was also a self-employed plumber.

Mr. DeBoy was a member of the former St. Patrick’s Church, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296, Holy Cross Athletic Club, the former Moose Lodge, former Elk’s Club, and the Loyal Order of Aires Eagle Club in Ocala, FL. In 1999 for the 100th anniversary of the VFW, Mr. DeBoy designed a quilt depicting the emblems for all service branches, which he donated to Post #5296 and it is still on display there.

Surviving besides his wife are: a daughter, Sharon Eggleston, Panama, NY; two sons, Michael (Noreen) DeBoy, Salamanca, NY, Brian (Kathy) DeBoy, North Ft. Myers, FL; a stepson, Kevin Burleson, Great Valley, NY; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Kaczmarski, Buffalo, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Irene Frank, Alice Couch, three brothers, Francis DeBoy, James DeBoy, and Richard DeBoy.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held in the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 12 p.m. with Deacon Michael Anderson of Our Lady of Peace Parish officiating.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Veterans Helping Veterans Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, or Hospice of Marion County.

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