Russell Charles Smith

Smith, Russell Charles
Our loving Russell Charles Smith, 81, of Scottsdale, Arizona continued on his journey March 18, 2011 at Brighton Gardens Hospice of the Valley. His passing was peaceful after an extended ordeal from a stroke. Russell was born in Dunkirk, New York on April 3, 1929. Russell graduated from Dunkirk High School with a Degree in Music, received a B.S. in Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, and attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, and the Eastman School of Music at Rochester. Russell was an educator for 17 years in New York and taught science at elementary and junior high schools and served as an elementary school principal in Dunkirk, New York. After moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, he continued teaching elementary school science for 24 years. Russell received the Science Teacher of the Year Award for Arizona. Russell served for four years in the United States Air Force with the 505th Air Force Band at Chanute AFB in Illinois. During this time he served in the U.S.O. Band as leader & director, writer, composer, and arranger. He composed the music for the Centennial celebration for the University of Illinois, Urbana. Russell was a musician of considerable renown and played the trumpet, piano, flugelhorn, trombone, vibraphones, and flute. He contributed numerous performances for charity. Russell served as First Chair Trumpet with the Scottsdale Community College Concert Band for many years and was arranger and composer in Residence. Russell belonged to the Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York and was a member of the Dunkirk-Irondequoit Lodge No. 301, F. & A.M. in Fredonia, N.Y. for 60 years and received his 50 Year Longevity Award. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart of seven years and wife of 54 years to Jo Anne Hoover Smith of Scottsdale, married July 7, 1956, and son Randall Smith of Phoenix. Russell is also survived by his sister, Lois Ramsey, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Mildred Trottnow Smith, father Russell Oliver Smith and brother Donald Kent Smith. No services are planned. Arrangements were handled by Messinger Mortuary
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