William Russell Lewis

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William "Russ" Lewis, 67, of Hurley, passed on to the next life Saturday,
November 3, 2012 at St. Peters Hospital Albany Medical Center after a sudden heart
attack. He was born January 7, 1945 in NYC. He was the son of William O. Lewis and
Ruth Lewis (Stortz), both deceased.
Russ was an active member of the Hurley Reformed Church for 35 years, where
he was on the consistory as Deacon and sang in the church choir. He was an integral
part of much of what happened behind-the-scenes, as well as always being there in the
forefront with a smile on his face and a helping-hand to all. Singing in the choir has
always been a part of Russ life, ever since singing in the boys choir at St. John the
Divine Church in NYC.
Not only was he very active with the church, but he also was very active in the
community of Hurley, organizing and helping with Stone House Day, the Hurley Corn
Festival and other events, as well as volunteering with the Rescue Squad and the
Hurley Fire Company.
Russ was an avid sports fan. He coached Hurley Little League softball for many
years, even after his children were too old to play, and he also participated as an
umpire. Russ graduated from Ridgewood High School where he lettered in five sports.
Throughout his life, he continued to play softball on teams as often as he could.
After graduation, Russ enlisted in the Air Force. He served two tours of duty in
Vietnam where he received a Purple Heart. Russ was a retired IBM employee of 25
years, having worked in locations in Mahwah, NJ, Wappingers Falls, NY and Kingston,
NY.
Russ was a jolly, kind and generous man. He looked like Santa Claus, and like
Santa he brought joy everywhere he went. He was very devoted to his family, and he
was always helping everyone who asked. His active participation in the community was
appreciated greatly and will be sorely missed.
William Russ Lewis is survived by his beloved companion of 14 years, Barbara
Sartorius, of Mountain View Avenue, Hurley, where he lived with her for his final days.
He is also survived by his ex-wife Susan Lewis, of Accord, and their three children:
Bryan Lewis of Saint Thomas, USVI, James Lewis, of Hurley, NY, and Debra Lewis, of
Rochester, NY (and his son-in-law Lucas Jordan). Russ's first wife, Beverly McDonald,
predeceased him. Their daughter, Stephanie Wheeler, of Wichita, KS, gave Russ four
grand-daughters (Tasha May, Lacey Rodriquez, Callie Allen and Nerisa Wheeler), who
in-turn gave Russ six great-grand-children, all of whom are still living. He is also
survived by his brother Rick Lewis of Chestnut Ridge, NY and Rick's wife Marie, as well
as Rick's sons Christopher and Ryan.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7th 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Keyser
Funeral Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY, 12401.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Nov. 8th at 11:00am at the Hurley
Reformed Church, 11 Main Street, Hurley, NY, 12443. Participants in the congregation
will be given an opportunity to speak during the service. There will be a luncheon at the
church following the service.
Russ will be cremated and a private ceremony will be held at a later date where
he will rest beside his beloved church in the Stickley Gardens Columbarium at the
Hurley Reformed Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Russ's memory can be made to the Hurley
Reformed Church (hurleyreformedchurch.org or 845-331-4121) and/or to The Hurley
Fire Department ( www.hurleyfiredepartment.com or 845-338-6054).
To light a candle in memory of Russ please visit www/keyserfuneralservice.com