Newark - Franklin T. Russell, 90, of Newark, New York, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Newark.
Franklin Russell lived a life defined by service—to his country, his profession, his community, and above all, his family. A respected attorney and judge, educator, musician, veteran, and community leader, Frank believed that if there was somewhere he could contribute, he should. Over the course of his remarkable life, that belief touched countless people and organizations throughout Newark, Wayne County, and beyond.
Born March 18, 1936, in Millbrook, New York, Frank was the son of Franklin T. Russell Sr. and Helen (Fordon) Russell. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from Cornell University and later his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law. Frank proudly served his country during nearly three decades in the United States Army on active duty and in the reserves from 1958 until 1986, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Frank’s distinguished legal career included private practice, serving as corporate counsel for C.H. Stuart Company, and several local judicial roles before his federal appointment as a United States Administrative Law Judge in 1994, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. He also shared his knowledge through teaching at Rochester Institute of Technology, Keuka College, and other legal and professional education programs.
To describe Frank simply as “active in his community” would be an understatement. His decades of service touched education, emergency services, veterans’ and civic organizations, charitable causes, several Masonic organizations, and the arts. He served his local schools, volunteered with the Newark Fire Department and Newark-Arcadia Volunteer Ambulance, and was active with organizations including Rotary and the American Legion. He also served on the Board of Governors for Shriners Hospitals for Children–Erie. A lifelong musician, Frank was a founder and performer with the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra and participated in numerous other musical organizations and productions. Frank’s legacy can be found in the institutions he served, the students he taught, the colleagues he mentored, the communities he strengthened, and the family he loved.
For all that Frank accomplished publicly, his greatest commitment was to his family. He shared 53 years of marriage with his wife, Cynthia (Wade) Russell, and showed his devotion through the many ways he cared for her and their family. As a father, Frank expected his children to make the most of their abilities and never wavered in his belief in them.
Frank is survived by Cynthia; his daughter, Kimberly Russell; his son, Jeffery (Jennifer Karash) Russell; his grandchildren, Jaston Brooks and Ava Taylor Russell; his sister, Barbara (Terry) Wilcox; his brother-in-law, Christopher Wade; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Franklin T. Russell Sr. and Helen (Fordon) Russell; his nephew, Matthew Garrett; and his sisters-in-law, Diana Wade and April Wade.
Frank’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at DeMay Living Center, especially those on the Wolf Wing, for the care, compassion, and attention they provided to Frank.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home, 124 West Miller Street, Newark. A funeral service will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 400 South Main Street, Newark. A private graveside service and interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Geneva, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to Shriners Children’s Erie, Cornell Chimesmasters, or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
