Obituary of Russell W. Sampson Jr.

Russell William Sampson, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully October 8, 2021, after a brief illness.
A lifelong resident of Syracuse, Russ taught social studies for over thirty years in the Syracuse City Schools at Levy Middle School, where he helped develop the Gifted Education Program for seventh and eighth grade students. This teaching brought him great joy; he was constantly amazed at and delighted with his students’ creativity, keen intellect, and overwhelming desire to learn. Additionally, he shared his love of coaching girls’ basketball and softball with players at Nottingham, Onondaga, and Fayetteville-Manlius High Schools.
Surviving are beloved family members: his wife of 41 years, Margo (Jones) Sampson; sons Russell and Michael (Jennifer and Jacob); sisters-in-law Carol, Polly, Cynthia, and Liza; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews; sister- and brother-in-law Betty and Douglas Zentz, their children Sarah, Rachel, Philip, and grandson Samuel Strange; and his many wonderful friends.
Russ was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Eleanor Sampson; sisters Gwendolyn Hillenbrand and Catherine Black; and brothers William, Charles, and Robert.
No services are planned at this time. Donations in Russ’s memory may be made to the Hospice of Central New York, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 or the Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, 5099 Jamesville Road, DeWitt, NY 13214.
 

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