Russell E. Daniels, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away suddenly, at home, on January 20, 2012. Russell, a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, was born on August 17, 1929, to the late Philip and Florence (Campese) Daniels, Sr. He attended local schools and joined the United States Army in September of 1948, serving with the 56th Amphibious Tank and Tractor Battalion in the Korean War. He served with the U.S. Army until July of 1952, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E5. He also served for 22 years in the United States National Guard, retiring with the rank of Captain. He was formerly employed by Coca Cola Bottling Company and retired from Certo Brothers Distributing.

On November 7, 1953, he married the former Mary A. Cristofanelli, who predeceased him on October 2, 1998. Russell was very devoted to his late wife Mary, his children, grandchildren, and his seven brothers and sisters, of which he was the eldest. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, going for coffee at Tim Horton's, playing cards and having breakfast with his buddies, and was a very active member and volunteer of St. John de LaSalle Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. His generosity, thoughtfulness and ever present smile and sense and of humor will be greatly missed by all.

Russell is survived by two children, his son, Christopher (Lori) Daniels and his daughter Luanna (Greg) O'Callaghan; six grandchildren, Mary (Shawn) McNally, Caroline O'Callaghan, Kristen Daniels, Russell O'Callaghan, Nicholas
Daniels and Kayleigh Daniels, and two great grandchildren, Jack and Colin
McNally. Also survived by brothers Joseph (Elaine) Daniels, Thomas (late Sara)
Daniels, and Philip (Frances) Daniels, Jr., and sisters Barbara (late Joseph)
Licastro, and Priscilla (Robert) Forster. Also predeceased by his brother Frank,
sister Marilynn and infant sister Delores.

Visitiation will be held on Monday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY, 14304 where funeral services will begin Tuesday January 24, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. John de LaSalle Church, 8477 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to St John de LaSalle Church of Niagara Falls, New York.