Russell D. Martin

Obituary
RUSSELL D. MARTIN
Russell D. Martin, of Ithaca, a professor emeritus at Cornell University, died Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at Kendal at Ithaca.He was born in West Henrietta, on September 3, 1917, a son of the late Howard and Alice Dickinson Martin.He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University's the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1939 and his Master of Science degree in 1941. He began his career as an educator, teaching high school in Clyde and Waterloo. He was a member of the faculty of Cornell University from 1949 to 1988, teaching courses in oral communication, parliamentary procedure, and effective listening. He was a longtime faculty advisor for the Cornell Wrestling Team. While at Cornell, he served at various times as Speaker of the Faculty for the College for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Speaker of the Faculty Council of Representatives, both Secretary and Speaker of the University Faculty, and Parliamentarian for the University Senate and the Student Assembly.Mr. Martin was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca for 54 years, serving in numerous volunteer roles. He was a Past Master of Hobasco Lodge No. 716, F&AM. He served as Board President of H.O.M.E.S., Inc., and was a long-time member of City Club. Through his life he volunteered in numerous charitable organizations in the Ithaca community.He is survived by his wife Margaret (Mig) Kramer Martin; a son, Stephen (Patricia) Martin of New Orleans, LA; a daughter, Jeanne Prosser of Berthoud, CO; four step-children, Joseph (Jacolyn) Gallagher of Michigan, Patrick (Beth) Gallagher of Syracuse, Maureen (Steve Millspaugh) Gallagher of Trumansburg and Erin Fennell of Pittsford; a brother, Robert Martin of Rush; 11 grandchildren, Jill(Tony) Abdilla, Jody Ubert, Keith (Chihiro) Martin, Paul (Kimberley) Martin, Craig Martin, Brian (Mary Beth) Peverly, Jenny (Andy) Peverly, Matthew Peverly, Ryan, Kaelan, and Meghan Fennell. He is also survived by five great- grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Martin was predeceased by his first wife, Esther G. Martin and a granddaughter, Melissa Peverly.Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Herson Funeral Home, 110 S. Geneva Street, Ithaca. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday (May 27, 2003) at 11 a.m. in the auditorium of Kendal at Ithaca with the Rev. Jacquie Lewis officiating. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornell Wrestling, Athletics Development Office, Teagle Hall, Ithaca, 14853, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca, 315 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca, 14850, or to Hospicare, 172 King Road East, Ithaca, 14850. Arrangements were completed by MJ Herson-Funeral Director.