Russell Staats Schell , VRHS Class of 1943
NISKAYUNA -- Russell Schell, 94 of Niskayuna, died peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021, surrounded by family. Russ was born, and grew up, in Rensselaer. He was a World War II-era veteran, serving with the Army Corps of Engineers in the Far East, and later as a major in the Army Reserve. After graduating from R.P.I., he worked for much of his career as an engineer at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. Russ was active in the leadership of Boy Scouts and Explorers, enjoying hiking and camping. He also had a great appreciation for the natural resources and beauty of Cape Cod. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy. He is survived by two daughters and three sons: Virginia Freyaldenhoven and her husband Steve, Mary and her partner Joseph Rigoli, David and his wife Diane, Schuyler and his wife Cathy Steg, and Joseph. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. There will be a family gathering to celebrate Russell's life.