Biography
Russell ''Russ'' C. Hastings, 57, of Ulster Park, died Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, after a heroic battle against cancer for two and a half years.
Russ was a graduate of Massapequa High School, class of 1972 and SUNY Oswego College, class of 1976, with a degree in broadcast and communications. After college, Russ worked various jobs, managing several restaurants, tending bar and doing carpentry and odd jobs.
On his 40th birthday, Russ chose to make a career change and went back to school to become an occupational therapist. He attended Maria College, Albany, and graduated from Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY receiving his bachelor of science in occupational therapy at the age of 47, graduating at the top of his class with a 4.0 GPA.
Russ was hired by Kingston City Schools, working primarily at the Kennedy School and Edson School as an occupational therapist for over 10 years.
Russ enjoyed spending time with his family, carpentry and working around home. He loved the beach, especially taking his jeep on the beach, camping and fishing and he enjoyed a good glass of wine.
Russ was born March 9, 1954 in Brooklyn, NY and is survived by his loving family, his wife, Georgia Hastings, they wed on July 25, 1986. His children Shaylyn A. Hastings and Travis W. Hastings, both of Ulster Park, mother Marie Hastings, his sister Diane F. Dobstaff and her husband Tom, and his niece and god daughter Katherine Berghahn and her husband Rick and their children Lucas and Ben. He was predeceased by his father Charles Hastings.
Entrusted to the care of the Eric Keyser, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, the family will receive their friends on Saturday from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 pm. The memorial service will be at 8:00 pm.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, 121 Executive Drive, New Windsor, NY 12553. Light a candle in memory of Russ at www.KeyserFuneralService.com.
Candles
Laura (Cano) Theisen
2012-01-11 20:31:38
Dear Georgia & Family,
My heart is breaking for you, I was so sorry to hear of Russ' passing...he fought a good fight & is resting PEACEFULLY now with God. My thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family!
Love,
Laura & Dan Theisen
Barbara Jean Murphy
2012-01-11 20:44:44
Dear Georgia and Family...please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Russ. Peace be with you, your family and friends during this most difficult time.
rhonda & Tony Parcesepe
2012-01-11 20:59:55
My first memory of Russ was outside Georgia's house in Long Island and and thinking ... "BOY IS HE CUTE! George.. you have a good one here!" Then one of the best of many memories together was our day trip to the Hamptons ... playing pool, shopping then that great dinner they treated me to. Champagne, a huge T-bone steak, then the piano man. Oh.. that piano man.It was great music, but George & I had to make it better by getting up and singing infront of everyone at the piano when he took a break. I thought Russ was gonna kill us but NO.. it is telling everyone he is our Manager and we were the "Rightious Bitches" We laughted forever before returning home. I can go on and on with wonderful memories like this but I will keep them tucked inside my heart and cherish them and him forever. I love you my friend. Rest in peace You will always be the "KINGOTHECASSTLE" xoxo
cheri (Cano) Marquardt
2012-01-11 23:49:55
Dear Georgia and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Hold tight to the many great memories for these will help you thru. Rest in Peace Russell
Travis Hastings
2012-01-12 01:32:29
For 2 and a half years you fought against this horrific disease that inflicted so much pain on you and your family. You are the strongest and bravest man I have ever known and will know. The man that laid helpless in the hospital bed for 2 days was not my father, the man who lived for 57 years, the man who married a beautiful wife and created a beautiful family, the man who, despite constant downfalls with the disease, rose above and made us all feel better. Never showing signs of weakness, never giving up, waking up every morning knowing that pain was going to ensue through out the day. This man, the courageous, gorgeous, loving man, that was my father, that was Russell Charles Hastings, that is the man I am going to live up to, and hope to become. I love you with all my heart Padge, you will always be missed, but you will always be here with me. I am the man of the house now, and I can assure you I will be taking care of your wife and daughter, and I know you will be taking care of me. Rest In Peace Daddy.
Madeline Strasser
2012-01-12 01:38:59
My heart goes out to you and your Family Diane. God bless you all. Love, Madeline Strasser
lou mancusi
2012-01-12 01:56:35
You have gone to a far better place than you were, Russ. God bless you for all eternity.
Ellen Karp
2012-01-12 02:03:37
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Hold on to your many wonderful memories, they will get you through this difficult time.
Love,
Ellen
Ashley Connors
2012-01-12 02:20:28
Travis, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was an amazing man and he will always be watching over you. I know you have always made him proud, and you will continue to do so. Stay strong. Love always, Ashley
Kathleen Ruiz
2012-01-12 02:22:31
Russ, you made us laugh so much. Thank you! You give us joy and hope to carry on, and make others laugh, too! Thank you for this too!Forever in our hearts, smiling on in God's arms! We Love You.
DONNA NOHS INGLEE AND FAMILY
2012-01-12 02:28:44
Russell what a truly wonderful legacy you left. A wife that loved you with all her heart...(i think u were the only man Georgia ever chased.. :) Two beautiful, successful children, with such over-flowing love for their father that they stayed positive for your sake, and wouldn't let negatives disrupt the time they had with you. Russell you left this world a better place for having been here. Your legacy was your life!! Bravo!!!
Diane
2012-01-12 02:37:06
To my little brother, you have been so stong, so brave, an inspiration to us all. You will be in my heart forever. Be at peace. Love Sis.
Kristin & Sean Mohammed
2012-01-12 02:40:12
Although we never met I heard all about you from your neice Katie. We heard what an amazing man you were, how you loved your family and how strong you were. You were and will always be loved by many! May God bless you and watch over your loved ones. May they remember you as you were a strong, loving family man. God Bless!
karen mullen
2012-01-12 03:27:05
Diane - So sorry for you and your family. Russ was a courageous man and fought hard to beat this disease. Cherish the memories you've had. Love Karen and Gerry
Cindy Ortlieb
2012-01-12 03:49:08
Travis..words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss... know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now... sending our love...Cindy,Ed and Alex
Kristy Marie Marchena
2012-01-12 04:18:41
Katie you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.... XO
Lisa Krom
2012-01-12 08:57:25
Russ was our son John's OT for many years at Edson. He truly made a difference in our son's life. His wisdom and kindness will be missed. Our deepsest sympathy,Lisa,Tracey and John Krom
Price Family
2012-01-12 13:16:28
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time Katie. We love you!! Stay strong...you have a lot of support all around you!
Meg Simmons-Jackson
2012-01-12 13:16:45
Dear Georgia and Family,
Pleae accept my heart felt sympathies. I often think back to the times we shared and remember them very fondly. I remember Russ being warm, friendly, out goint, and full of life. He always made me feel at ease around him. His smile and laugh brighten any room he entered. I was so blessed by Russ and his generous heart the night he found Geordie and gave him to me. Russ will always have a special place in my heart and he will be thought of often. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." (Stephan Schwartz)
Love Always,
Meg
gina amoroso
2012-01-12 13:22:55
What a wonderful man in so many ways first and foremost his love for his family shined thur all of you. I will always remember the good times at the Pav's on Thanksgiving and thru the years and I no you will be watching over your loved ones. Always in our Hearts... I love you all and am proud to call you my family....
Ann
2012-01-12 14:02:20
I remember Russ from the Annex. It saddens me to hear of his passing. I send my sincerest sympathy and thoughts to you all. I too lost my husband at the same age with this dreadful disease. Please accept my condolences.
Lynne Costanzo Brodhead
2012-01-12 14:40:55
Georgia, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
wendy Mcdonald Turner
2012-01-12 15:53:26
Dear Georgia, Shay and Travis,
I am so sorry for you and the loss of this dear man.I worked with him at Kennedy School for so many years. Russ would always be that definiative ray of light that could keep us laughing, and bring out the best in any situation, no matter how difficult.He was one of the kindest and most compassionate people I've ever known, in a "real guy" kind of way. The school will miss him, and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendy Allen
2012-01-12 16:47:01
Russ will be deeply missed. He was an amazing person to work with, and to know. He always made everyone laugh and feel comfortable. Throughout this battle he remained strong and always seemed to put others at ease, in spite of all that he himself was going through! My heartfelt sympathy to his family. Russ, it was an honor to know you. I wish you peace and for your family to be surrounded by love, knowing you will always be watching over them. We will miss you.
Greg Gerard
2012-01-12 17:26:00
Russ was in a word...cool! In the short time that I knew him he was just a laid back cool guy. Rest in Peace!! Just keep his memory alive!
Glenn Helford
2012-01-12 17:33:55
Russell was a dear friend and we will miss him.
Valorie
2012-01-12 19:45:21
What a wonderful person. It was an honor to know him. I will never forget his wonderful sense of humor and his way with people. Truly, "one of the best!" He will be missed
Brenda Fryling
2012-01-12 20:17:25
Georgia and family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family... Russ was a great guy!!!! XOXO
Cathy Berghahn
2012-01-12 21:50:38
I will remember Russell for his love, generosity, and strength. He will be dearly missed.
Healing prayers to the whole family.
Alice Kosturik
2012-01-12 23:05:52
It was such an honor to work with Russ both at the Children's Annex and Kingston. I will always smile when thinking about his kindness and sense of humor. It was obvious to all who knew him that he was so in love with Georgia and his children. Russ will be missed by everyone that got to know him.
maryann and pete hiotis
2012-01-12 23:14:35
To moe and gary and the hastings family, so sorry for your loss.
Carla and Mike Armstrong
2012-01-12 23:32:09
Dear Georgia and family. Our deepfelt condolences to you and your family. Our love and prayers will be with you always.
Jeanne La Rose
2012-01-12 23:51:09
Diane, Just last week when we were together you spoke so lovingly of your brother - and what he was going through. It was such a wonderful thing that you did for Russ & his wife on New Year's Eve - testimony to a loving and supporting and caring sister. I know you will miss him and I hope to be there for you when you do. Love, jeanne
Melissa Bamford
2012-01-13 01:36:55
My memories of Russ will always involve laughter. He brought levity to our department meetings and helped to relieve our stress. I greatly admired his courage and positive attitude throughout this devastating ordeal. He will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family. I wish you peace and the comfort of treasured memories.
Christine Perez
2012-01-13 02:16:37
Russ and I worked together at Edson school, where we shared the PT/OT treatment room. I was blessed to know him and to witness the joy and laugther he brought to the children he helped. His bravery and love for his family has been an inspiration. I will miss him terribly, as so many will. My deepest sympathies to Georgia, Shaylyn and Travis, as well as to his mother, sister, and to all his loved ones.
Todd and Diane Stein
2012-01-13 02:37:39
Georgia and family, Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. It was an honor to finally meet Russell in Montauk and again in San Diego. Todd was so touched to read Travis' eloquent memorial as he was about that age when his Father passed. Stay surrounded by those who love you and may God give you peace in the days to come.
Michele VanKleeck
2012-01-13 02:50:43
SO SAD,PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS WITH YOU ALL AT THIS TIME,WHEN EVER I WOULD PASS HIM IN THE HALLS AT J.F.K. HE WOULD ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE, WILL BE MISSED BY MANY
rhonda & Tony
2012-01-13 06:03:59
Words can't express how we are feeling right now. Russ was one of the best of friends and joy of our life.
The memories, joy and laughter we've shared together will forever live on in us.
We are so sorry we can not be there with you but please know you are all on our hearts and in our prayers. We love you all so much.
Rhonda & Tony
Debra Weber
2012-01-13 06:36:15
Russ the many hours of therapy
and our talks about our families. My heart is filled with sorrow for your family. For I feel as if I know your family as well as mine from our talks.Can't believe you were just showing me pictures last thursday of you and Georgia and your mom. and how you wanted to take Georgia to Key West, Fla.. You fought a great battle. Would not complain even when I could tell just by looking at you. You just say I'm hanging in there. You would complain because when you asked me how I was doing I would say I'm fine. Then we just look as each other and laugh. Rest In Peace Russ I'm really going to miss you. Can you do me a favor remember my brother Todd we talked about and my dad can you tell them hi
Camillo and Annemarie
2012-01-13 19:01:10
Dear Gerogia, Shaylyn and Travis, So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Russell will truly be missed. He was one of the funniest and kindest person we knew. We will always remember all the good times and laughs (which there were alot of)we had with you all.
Love you guys! Millo, Annie, Kyle & Dylan
Kathy Puffer
2012-01-13 23:33:02
Dear Georgia and Shay,
So sorry to hear about your loss. May the love of those around you wrap around you like a warm sweater.
Love,
Kathy
Lisa Ciccone
2012-01-14 01:31:55
Travis, you are one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I can honestly say that you got that from your father. To you and your family, everything will get easier in time. I love you and will always be here for you. Stay strong and continue to pursue your life goals because he is and will be so proud of you and the person you have become.
Rita Donahue
2012-01-14 17:28:01
Georgia and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.your love and support love from family and friends comfort you . Rita D.
Melissa Cesark
2012-01-14 17:38:48
May you all find the strength to heal your hearts :) I am sure he is watching over each and every one of you to help you do so .
Douglas Miraldi
2012-01-14 19:40:14
gone but not forgoten RIP
Laura Neklia
2012-01-14 23:12:00
Dear Cousin Georgia,
I'm so sorry. I have fond memories of Russell from the California Viking Invasion several summers ago. My heart goes out to you and the family.
With love, Laura Neklia
Debbie Seche
2012-01-16 00:18:28
Dear Georgia and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I have been thinking of you and wishing you peace during this very difficult time. Your a wonderful person and I just met your daughter who is just as wonderful. I was very touched by your son's words in his candle. God bless you all. Sincerely,
Deb Seche
Billy Wilson
2012-01-16 22:04:25
Charm, wit, humor & that infectious smile are the qualities of Russell that I will remember most. His smile in the heavens will surely make the stars shine brighter. May memories & love comfort Georgia & his children as smiles from beyond until we all meet him again.
Keith & Mary Wrege
2012-01-17 22:32:13
Dear Georgia, Shaylyn & Travis, We are very sorry for your loss. Russell was a true gentleman and he fought a courageous fight. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our love and prayers will be with you always. xoxo
Cathy Fink
2012-01-18 03:00:05
I met Rob for the first time at the annual Christmas party. He and Georgia were such a great couple. My heart breaks for Georgia and all the family to lose such a special person.
Lisa Sutphen
2012-01-22 21:30:09
My first memory as a freshman in college at SUNY Oswego is of Russell. He was the first boy I met on campus the very first day. I felt right away that he was uniquely kind and genuine. He was humble, and sweet, as well as fun-loving and open-hearted...Russell was one of those rare people that made everyone around him feel special and happy. I have not seen Russell for so many years, but as a dear friend from the past, he was never forgotten by me. I was so happy to learn that he has a beautiful family, and has given and received much love in his life. As I grieve for his wife, children, and family, I also know that he took you with him to a special place of peace and happiness, and that he will be ever near. I hope that the wonderful memories of Russell will always be a source of inspiration, strength, comfort and joy to all who knew and loved him.
All of my heartfelt sympathies,
Lisa (MacDowell)Sutphen
Sue Terrone
2012-02-14 20:40:10
No one can light up a room like Russ. He was a wonderful person. I know he is shining his light from up above.