In Memory of Russell E Clayton

Obituary

A bright light was extinguished on Monday March 11,2024 as Russell E Clayton returned to his spiritual form. We find comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his parents and brother, who most likely handed him a martini on his arrival and as Russ would continually remind us “I am too nosy to go very far” we are sure that he will continue to give us his two cents whenever possible.

Russ had a sense of humor that was unmatched, his positive attitude and love of life pulled him through many difficult times. He was handed many lemons over the years and he would just squeeze them over some lobster and move on. A natural born artist, Russ lost his sight in his forties and began cooking instead of drawing. He developed several of his own recipes and wrote his own cookbook that he happily handed out to many. Russ was a social butterfly and loved to be the center of attention, he spent many years as a member of the Utica Elks Lodge #33, Oriental -Faxton Lodge #224 F. & A.M., and the Ziyara Shriners. Also born with the gift of gab, after retirement from Partlow Corp, he became a HAM Radio operator making many lasting friendships. In the last few years, he faced one of his most difficult obstacles when he had to have both legs removed above the knees. We believe it was his immense desire to live that got him through that time and in true Clayton style he made it with his sense of humor intact. For his remaining days he introduced himself as “half the man I used to be”. He resided at the Masonic Care Community, where the staff became additional family members to him and us. We will never be able to repay them for the love and care they gave him.

He is survived by his loving wife or 55 years, Delores Clayton; daughter, Kristine Domagal and her husband, Steven of Whitesboro; grandchildren, Brittney and Jacob Domagal; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Russell and Beatrice Clayton and his brother Gary Clayton.

The service will be in Tuesday, March 19, at 12:00, in the Meditation Room at Masonic Care Community. Interment will be in Masonic Care Community Cemetery. Calling hour will be from 11:00 to 12:00 prior to the service. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

Please omit flowers and consider the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or Masonic Care Community in memory of Russell.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com