Russell K. Housman

Russ,
I'm sorry for waiting for the last minute. I've been putting it off because this will make it permanent. I still can't believe that you are no longer with us. You were larger than life and supposed to live forever. The world is a little less brighter without you in it. I finally get that our hearts breaking was the only way yours could truly heal.

As I look around my house, there is a part of you everywhere: ceiling fans in the bedrooms, safety gates in the hallway and living room, molding around the tv in the den. Whenever something needed to be done, you were always the first one to come running. You never hesitated. And all you ever wanted in return was a pizza and a beer!!

When I look back at the times we spent together, I can't help but laugh. We all had so much fun on our double dates and vacations. I will never forget the look on your face when you and John threw the anchor off the boat in New Hampshire and then realized it wasn't tied to anything! I also will always remember how you carried my suitcase on your pinky all through the airport, and how hard you laughed when I discovered it was empty. I could go on and on about how much fun we had with you, but I would end up taking all the space in your book.

You were the "big brother" I always wanted and you always had my back. I will never forget that. No matter how wrong I was, you would always agree with me, shake your head and mutter "John, John, John. He's never gonna learn." I know you probably wont' believe this, but he is finally learning!

Before I sign off, (I've probably exceeded the allotted space by now) I want to make sure you know how much you meant to us. You, Pam and the girls were so much more than our friends....you were our family. You were the most awesome best man when you stood up for us at our wedding (you kept me from passing out on the altar!), and you were a wonderful Godfather to Kaitlyn. We had always said that we would have family only as Godparents, and that made you the obvious choice.

Russ, I miss your booming voice and hearty laugh. You truly lived each day as if it were your last, and we all learned so much from you. You were one of those rare people who touched everyone you met. I love you, and I miss you. May you be at peace.

Russ:

It is truthful to say that you left us way too soon. Someone who did not know you might conclude however that your life was unfulfilled. That couldn't be further from the truth. You lived a lifetime in your 45 years. You were a wonderful and caring son to Mom and Dad. You were their tech support, handyman and in their declining years, caregiver. You were a supportive and loving brother to Doug, Beth and I. Our relationship grew later in our lives as we were both starting and raising our families. I will always cherish the time we spent whether in our long phone conversations or when we were together in person. I will miss your booming voice, infectious laugh and your zest for life. You were a caring lifelong friend to many as exhibited by their outpouring of love and affection. And even during your difficult extended hospital stays you touched so many of the Mount Sinai staff with your tireless optimism and warm personality.

Most importantly however you were a wonderful husband and father to Pam, Carollynn and Cydney. I know you will be watching them from above with Mom and Dad as they live their lives to the fullest. You got them started, pointed them in the right direction and ensured that with friends and family that they would be well taken care of in your absence. We will miss you not being around to share in our lives but know that you are in a far better place.

I love you my youngest brother. Rest in peace.

I don't know why, but I was thinking of you guys and so I looked you up on facebook. Pam, you were not there, but Russ was there. On his site, I saw Carollyn and couldn't resist going to her site to see the young woman that she has become. Only to find condolences to her for the loss of her father. OMG! I am so sorry for you and the girls. Maybe this is why I was thinking of you guys and had this need to look you up. God works in mysterious ways. Russ was a wonderful man and I cannot imagine what you are going through. If you need me, just call. I know that you always have your sisters, but sometimes you just want to be somewhere else with someone else. Thinking of you,
Love, Sally Zito

Dear Housman Family -
We met Russ in early 2012 at the LI TRIO meeting. He was a great guy and we hit it off immediately. He told us he had serious heart issues and we hoped and prayed that he would get a heart eventually. We kept in touch by email but then late in 2012 they stopped. I don't know what prompted me to "google" him yesterday. We are so sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace and our sincerest, heartfelt sympathy to all of you. The photos are wonderful! -Lois and Robert Skaretka (Robert had heart transplant in April 1991).

I reached out to Russ a year ago with hopes of gaining some info on a potential mold issue stemming from a roof leak in my home. While in route to his job he made time to give me some helpful information on the subject. So he's talking to me via his cell phone and pretty quickly I notice him clearing his throat....a lot. Apparently he was chewing on a carrot and a piece got lodged and he was trying to cough it up. I'm holding the handset inches away from my ear as I'm hearing these really loud noises emanating from the receiver. Much like Felix Unger from the Odd Couple experiencing a sinus attack, here was Russ....only louder! All I could do was start to laugh because Russ Never stopped trying to talk all the while he's choking and driving a car! It was more important to help an old friend than it was to cater to his own impending needs. That was Russ ....the most genuine, caring, selfless, funny man I know! God bless Russ Housman!

When my uncle got the offer for the transplant, I was I Florida. I initially thought my prayers were finally being answered. After hearing all of the complications he had, I was still hopeful that he would pull through because he had done that so many times in the past. I know that it was in his best interest to send him to heaven. I can honestly say I have never had the death of a loved effect me or my family as catastrophically as this one has. Whenever I wonder why we couldn't have him for another few years, I realize we should be honored that we were able to get him for 46, instead of the minuscule amount the doctors predicted him to have. Those years were a gift to my uncle from God, along with his wife and children. I am very thankful that I saw him one last time before he passed. I will forever cherish that memory, but will regret not bringing my guitar in to play for him ;). My other memories include all of the fun sleepovers with my cousins at his house(especially Kyle playing "up your butt with a coconut"),all of the concerts we saw together, and his amazing sense of humor and personality that was magnetizing. Lastly, he is such an inspiration. He put up one hell of a fight and I am honored to call Russell Kenneth Housman my uncle and godfather. He will forever be missed.

Dear Daddy,
You passing away has been the hardest thing I've had to go thorough. Ever. The last time I spoke to you was about 10:40pm, on August 4th 2013. Right before you went into the failed transplant. I will never forget what you told me, and what I told you. Please remember forever that I'll love you forever and always just like I told you then, and now it means more then ever when you told me. We will get through this with the whole family, it won't be easy. But we will.
I love you forever and always Daddy, Carollynn (13)

Russ is an absolute gift who was an honor to know. He effortlessly would hang out with the moms while Cydney would dance. Talk about a guy the moms loved!
My most powerful memory of Russ is love. He loved his girls above all. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his every word.
I had the pleasure of spending some time with Pam, Russ, and Carollynn at the Homecoming game last year at Carey. Cyd and Megan were dancing with the Pirettes. While we waited for the show to begin, I witnessed powerful love. Pam and Russ were cozy and smiling and hugging just like teenagers, probably like they did in the old days. It was love at its purest. I think of that day often, as an amazing witness of love.
Pam, the other half of this love equation, would often say," I'm just going along for the ride". The truth is, Pam was driving, directing Russ' care and the girl's lives. And the fuel was love. How else can you explain how she kept an exhausting schedule, and still had enough love to share with her Daisy troop?
Pam will continue to share with her girls all the courage, grace, compassion, and love that characterized her life with Russ. But especially love, unwavering love.
Thank you Russ, for sharing your love, your laughter, and your incredible example of how life is to be lived with us.

Russ, it hurt so much writing this obituary, but it also helped remind me how much you meant not just to me, but to your wife, your children, your adopted family and your amazing circle of friends. I will miss your infectious laugh, your love of all things electronic, and your amazing ability to listen, really listen to what I had to say. Please know that we will love and support Pam, Carollynn and Cydney with all of our heart. I miss you Brother....may God bless you for eternity.

Our hearts hurt with you. It's been years since we have seen Russ and the family, but know you are in our prayers today and in the days to come. May the memories of great times warm your heart and give you peace. Thank you for sharing his story. We send our deepest love to the family and extended family. Hugs-

My heart is grieved with the loss of Rusty. It all seemed so sudden that I'm still trying to comprehend it. Rusty was my second cousin on my mother's side (Bobbie Leonard). It is heart breaking to lose such a great soul that brought a sense of joy and genuine authenticity to life. At the time I was growing up visiting the Housmans, I didn't appreciate the gravity of Rusty's early health struggles and the courage he had then and throughout life. I certainly can learn from his example. What I will always remember was the times my family (the Leonards) would visit in the summertime up to Garden City and go to the beach. Rusty was a trooper and his fun and carefree nature belied his health challenges. He always had a positive outlook on things and cared more about you than what he was struggling with. On behalf of my family Karen, Joshua and Jessica our prayers go out to the Housman family, extended family and friends of Rusty's. He will always be remembered in our home

Thank you for sharing this. I'm so sad to learn of Russ' passing, but have some wonderful childhood memories with him. He brought lots of fun and mischief to the neighborhood. I remember him rallying all the neighborhood kids to join hands across the street saying, "Let's see what the cars do!"
And always that smile... He'll be missed.

I'm so sorry to lose my childhood friend. I have known Rusty since I was like 6 years old.... Going to his family's beach club and so many great years at Garden City high school.... And about 2 years ago he was vacationing with his family in Florida and found me in Vero Beach at Toyota of Vero Beach where I work just to give me a big hug and a surprise. That was very special to me!! He is gonna be missed and so sorry for his loss and my prayers are out to his family and loved ones!! I'm so sorry to lose a great friend and wonderful person!! I will never forget you brother thanks for all the good times!!

Words are not enough to express the pain I feel after the loss of Russell Housman. A man that has been in my family as long as I can remember is now no longer with us. Sorrow abounds and I know that a difficult journey for healing begins and life will never be the same.

May you rest in peace old friend. You always had the ability to bring light to those that needed it. May your light shine brightly in heaven & may the memories your loved ones shared with you give them comfort today & always. Sending love to all who had the pleasure of knowing you. - Missy K.

Russ,

What can I say? You are like a brother to me. You were the best man at my wedding, the Godfather to my eldest daughter Kaitlyn, the one who helped keep me young, I will remember the countless times laughing at the utter stupidity of some of the jokes we thought up “Ajax was here” “jalapeno cherries”. You were always there to lend a hand or an ear. You were the fixer of all things broken. I just wish you were here to fix my broken heart. Love you always

John

Dear Russ: As our wedding song said "I would do anything for your love." We loved each other and our family with our whole hearts while we were together. You touched so many hearts with your stories, zest for life, laughter and kindness. Always willing to go the extra mile for anyone. If you could do it - you would. There will never be another like you for me. The love of my life. I am so blessed to have been able to love you. We truly had our perfect marriage. Our last few months together were hard on both of us but I kept praying for just one more. All of our days were a gift and I will love you till we meet again in heaven.
Love you forever, Me

Dear Pam and Girls:
We are so sad that Russ has passed. He was such a wonderful person and friend. He always had a great story to tell or tool to lend. We pray for strength and peace for you and the girls.

Sincere condolences from the Russell family, former neighbors in Garden City in the 1970s. We have fond memories of Rusty and are truly sorry to hear of his passing.

Love and blessings to the family,

Dick, Ann, John and Marie

This was one of the most beautiful tributes to someone I've ever read. I am sorry to hear of Russ' passing. He clearly was one of the good ones. Our prayers go out to Russ' family and Pam and their children in particular. God bless Russ' family to find strength to get through this terrible loss. I am sorry that he was unable to get the transplant he so desperately needed in time.

Russell your smile and laughter will always be in our hearts. May you finally be free of pain. We will have the memories of working at micro vision with you always in our hearts forever. God bless you. God bless your family at this difficult time.

Dear Pamie, Carollynn, and Cydnee,

I have all fun memories of Russ from high school, always smiling and making us all laugh at "the tables," dissecting cars in shop class, and good clean fun at the weekend parties. His humor was unstoppable! His compassion, priceless. Russ made everyone happier, and feel better, even if it was a gray, rainy morning at GC High, and I am thankful to have known him, and see his beautiful wedding to Pam and you gorgeous girls. He had wisdom at a young age, too.
I will never forget him at all, and I mourn his passing with you and your extended family.
Sorry I can't be there with you.
Love from Texas

What a lovely tribute to Russ, who is from a remarkable family. My condolences and thoughts are with you all in your time of loss.

Pat Krugman (Bedford Hills, NY)

We miss you, we love you and may God bless you for eternity.
Pam, Carollynn, Cydney we are all so blessed to have know Russ, thank you for sharing him with us.
With Love, Vita and Jerry Burdi

Thinking of you and your family and more especially Russ's family. al jette

We ask God's blessings for Russell during his life in eternity and send sympathy to his family in their grief.

Love, Joan and Joe Chisholm

My heart goes out to you all...Pammy and the girls, Jim, Beth and Doug...Russ was an amazing husband, father and the quintessential little brother. I have no doubt that he arrived in Heaven promptly and is now in the company of the angels, including his beloved parents. I feel blessed that I had his company during Doug's 50th gala dinner and I will always remember Russ that way...smiling, joking around and dancing the night away!! Love you, Russ and I will see you again someday, my friend. Love, xox Steph & Co.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.