Russell Young

Russell Dennis Young, 83 of Albion, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on May 13, 2026. He had entered hospice care at home on April 24, 2026 after enduring end stage renal disease and a complicated bone infection in his foot. Russell was surrounded with much love during this time, receiving many visits from friends and family. Most importantly, Russell finished his race well with Jesus by celebrating him with worship music and prayer during his final days. He is now home with Jesus, rejoicing in his glory.

Russell was born in Medina, NY in 1943 to Russell Young Sr. and Mary Coppa. At five years old, he was in the drum and bugle corps, and later in the Medina, Mustang marching band. He graduated Medina High school in 1961, and then joined the Navy from 1961-1966 (Vietnam Era War Veteran). After this, he went on to marry the love of his life; Colleen (Hungerford) Young. They had two Children: Scott R. Young and Danell (Young) VanDeGenachte. Russell Retired from Harrison Radiator in Lockport, NY after working there for thirty plus years.

He was in several rock and roll bands during his younger years, and then transitioned to playing drums for the praise and worship team at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship until he was 75 years old. Russell inherited his father’s trumpet and taught himself to play. He then joined the honor guard to play taps for military funerals. He also served as an Elder at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship for many years. During his younger years, his passion was fishing and hunting. He even had fantasies about being a “mountain man,” inspired by his love for western films. “I’ve got two guns, one for each of you.”- Tombstone. He leaned into his mother’s Italian roots, and enjoyed cooking and adding garlic to everything. Russell loved quoting his favorite movie lines, repeating funny phrases that his kids and grandkids said when they were young, and loved telling “grandpa jokes.” He was often never serious, trying to get a laugh out of people.

One thing he was very serious about: his love for Jesus Christ. He was known as the “Jesus loves you” man in Orleans County. He wore his self-made hats and shirts that simply said “Jesus.” Any time, any place he would tell anyone who would listen that “Jesus loves you.”

Russell is predeceased by: his wife Colleen (Hungerford) Young, his sister Carol (Young) Graham. He is survived by: his sister Betty (Young) Cissell, his son Scott R. Young and wife Lynda Young, his daughter Danell (Young) VanDeGenachte and husband Edmund VanDeGenachte, his grandchildren Nina (Ceniccola) Gilhousen, Andrew Ceniccola, Katelynn Young, Jared VanDeGenachte, Ashley VanDeGenachte-Narburgh, Chantel VanDeGenachte, and his great-grandchildren Dakota, Payton, Nash, Saylor, Jett, June, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. “Grandpa” “peek-a-lotta-justa” you all!!

There will be a service to honor Russell Young at Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship in Medina, NY on June 13, 2026 starting at 11 am. There will be a meal to follow the service.