Obituary of Russell Vincent Nicosia

Russell V. Nicosia, 88, of Owego died on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 after a brief illness. Russ was predeceased by his parents, Emmanuel and Mary (Serafini) Nicosia; five siblings; and a grandson, Michael Babcock. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Nicosia; two daughters, Patsy Nicosia and her husband, David Spiess; Pamela Babcock; son, Patrick Nicosia and Geralyn Timler; six grandchildren, Natalie Spiess, Holly Spiess, Michelle (Kevin) Hester, Bryan (Lauren) Babcock, Erin Nicosia, Ryan Nicosia; a brother, Emmanuel "Junior" (Jean) Nicosia; and several nieces and nephews. Russ served as a medic in Germany in the United States Army from 1951-1953. He earned B.S. and M.E. degrees from SUNY Brockport. He taught in Allentown, New York and then taught health and physical education at Union-Endicott High School from 1959-1996. He was a football coach at U-E from 1960-1988. He was a member of Owego Elks Lodge 1039 and the American Legion, and a volunteer docent at the Ross Park Zoo after his retirement. Due to COVID, there will be no services at this time. The family is being assisted by the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Ross Park Zoo, 185 Park Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903. Condolences may be made to Russ' family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.