Russell W. Sawbridge

Russell Wilfred Sawbridge, age 77 of Newfield, NY passed away peacefully with family by his side, August 15, 2022, at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre PA.

Russell was born in Champlain, IL on June 19, 1945.  As a child he moved to Newfield where he lived the reminder of his life.  While in High school, he worked on his parent’s farm and for Carl Tabor at his Texaco Full-Service Station, which Russell later purchased and owned for 18 years.  Russell married Constance Carrier and together they had two daughters.  He later married the love of his life Marlene, gained four more daughters, and were together just shy of 43 years before she passed away.

Russell was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Sylvia Sawbridge, his wife Marlene and sons-in-law Gordon Vonderlin and David Saxbury.

He is survived by beloved dog Rita; his children Michelle (Steve) Yaple, Deborah Vonderlin, Michelle Saxbury, Tammy Buck, Melissa (Phillip) Peters, Patricia (Larry) Banfield; grandchildren Eric (Kelly) Yaple, Chris (Stephanie) Vonderlin, Nick (Winona) Saxbury, Tricia (Jordan) Simmons, Sierra Yaple, Brian Vonderlin, Hilarie (Levi) Balzer, Matthew Vonderlin, Clifford ‘CJ’ Buck, Cole Banfield, Stephanie (Jonathan) Brown, Patrick Banfield, Shelby Harper; and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary (August) Knuutila and Aunt Isabelle Gromada.

After selling the service station, Russell changed careers working an additional 20+ years performing stove/chimney installations and repairs for FingerLakes Fabricating/Hearth and Home. He was also a lifetime member of the Newfield Fire Company, member of the King Hiram #784 Newfield Masonic Lodge and Mystic Chapter #275 O.E.S. He was also a longtime member of the Newfield Methodist Church and served as a Trustee.  Some of his favorite activities were snowmobiling, camping, fishing, golfing, woodworking, mowing lawns, and visiting family in Alaska.

Russell has found peace now being reunited with family and friends, surrounded by endless lawns to mow, and listening to classic country music and American comedy group Da Yoopers.

The family will be present to receive family and friends at the Bangs Funeral home on Friday, August 19th 11:00am to 12:30pm.  An O.E.S. service and funeral will be at 12:30 pm with a graveside committal immediately following at Newfield Woodlawn Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers consider sending donations in Russell’s memory to the Newfield United Methodist Church Trustee Fund, PO Box 143, Newfield, NY 14867. Online condolence can be left www.bangsfuneralhome.com