Russell L. Sager

January 2, 1931 - November 15, 2020

RUSSELL L. SAGER Age 89 of Lantana, formerly of DeWitt, New York, passed away on the birthday of his late wife Marie on Sunday, November 15, 2020 after a brief illness. Russell was born January 2, 1931 in Sayre, Pennsylvania to the late LaVerne Russell Sager and Reka Davenport Sager. After his service in the Air Force at a youthful age he devoted himself to his education in the profession of teaching and then as a teacher within the East-Syracuse-Minoa School District. As a Social Studies teacher he specialized in both American and New York State history. In addition to his daily duties as a teacher he also chaired a chapter of “The Yorkers” (History of New York State Student Workgroup) at the Pine Grove Middle School as an extracurricular activity for the students, receiving various group and individual awards for their projects and for serving as a director of that group. Russell retired from his teaching position in 1991. Shortly after his retirement from teaching he found great reward and “entertainment” in employment with both the Hotel Syracuse and later the Syracuse University Sheraton as a Concierge/Bellservices and Front Desk Attendant due to his knowledge of the local and surrounding areas. During this semiretirement he and his wife enjoyed numerous cruises, travel (local, domestic and abroad), wine, wine country and visits to the symphony. Other Interests included Classic Cars, Rail Service history(his father was a Lehigh Valley Railroad Engineer), Aircraft and of course continued to include local and New York State History. In 2011 both Russ and Marie moved from their house in Dewitt to West Palm Beach to Florida in order for their son to participate and assist in care of Marie and her Alzheimer's diagnosis. During that time both were active members of their assisted living community and made numerous friends whom they considered as family. Marie passed in 2014 and Russel remained active in the community as a resident and resident council member receiving several awards for his efforts within that community. He was often the “life of the party”, “a great sport” and always took time for others to bring compassion, happiness and joy to their lives. In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Marie Britto Sager, his sister Evelyn Steetle and his brother Laurence Sager. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Nancy Sager of Hypoluxo, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the extended families of each and his wife’s families. A Committal Service for Russ and Marie will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida (Lane #3). In lieu of flowers at this time please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org in Russell and Marie’s memory.