Russell K. Florian

Russell K. Florian, 65, of State Highway 5S, passed away peacefully, Saturday, June 6, 2015, at his home with his loving family at his side. Born February 14, 1950 in Little Falls, New York, he was the son of the late Kurt and Thelma Miller Florian, SR. He attended schools in Little Falls and he was a lifelong area resident. Russ was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War where he received several medals including the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He received his GED while serving his term in the US Army. He was employed as an over the road cross country Truck Driver. He later owned and operated R.F. Trucking in Fort Plain and for the last 14 years has worked for Gorman Brothers, driving lowboy and oil tanker, stationed out of the Town of Florida. Russ was a lifelong member of the Fort Plain VFW and a member of the Veteran's Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycling. Russ took pride in his yard. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and dog Ladylou. Family time was very important to Russ. On February 16, 2002 he married Loretta Perron. Besides his wife he is survived by four sons, Russell K. Florian, Jr. and wife Melissa of Ilion, Shannon Florian and wife Tonya of Grand Island, FL, Scott Florian and Fiancé Jessica of Little Falls, and Michael O'Toole of Leroy; two daughters, Shelly Florian and Stacey Florian of Little Falls; three step- daughters, Jeanna Johnson of Jacksonville, VT, Laura Singh of Merced, CA and Angela Dornburgh and husband Ed of Whitingham, VT; a brother, Kurt "Buck" Florian, Jr. and wife Marie of Little, Falls; a sister, Cindy Berlinsky and husband David of Little Falls; 19 grandchildren: 1 great granddaughter; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Russ was predeceased by a son-in-law, Mark Johnson and two brothers, Bob Florian and Keith Florian and a sister Sandra Lee Florian. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2015, at 11:00 am at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with the Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery, Sand Flats, Fonda, NY with Military Honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday from 10 to 11 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Russell's memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 or to the New York Oncology Hematology, 1700 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY.