ELLENBURG DEPOT – It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, Grampy, brother, and uncle.  Russ passed away on August 4, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with leukemia.  He was surrounded by his loving family, while under the care and direction of Hospice of the North Country.  He was born March 4, 1949, the youngest son of Herbert and Antoinette (Bushey) Bilow.

Russ graduated from Ellenburg Central School in 1967, Champlain College in 1969 with an accounting degree, and continued his education at SUNY Plattsburgh after.  Russ lived a life of service, always looking to be a beacon for his family, town, and community. He had a 32-year career in NYS Department of corrections, from which he retired. He held the position of Town of Ellenburg accountant for 34 years; a position that he took great pride in doing up until recently.  He was a 38-year member of the Ellenburg Depot Fire Department, 20-year fire commissioner, and grant writer. Through his grant writing, the department was able to secure and receive one million dollars in vehicles and equipment.  He was a member of the Ellenburg Knights of Columbus #4441 and a fourth-degree assembly #711 of Malone.  He was also a past president of the Northern Adirondack School Board and Ellenburg Kiwanis Club.

Russ is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene (Rowe) Bilow. They were married on June 28, 1969 at St. Edmund's Church in Ellenburg.  Together, they had two children, Leslie LaBarge of Altona (Jamie LaBarge of Plattsburgh), and Kimberly (Timothy) Coplen of Ellenburg Depot.  He had 5 grandchildren who were the loves of his life, Bryce LaBarge (Hannah), Bailey LaBarge, Koby Coplen (Annabelle), Kendl Coplen (Hayley), and Kade Coplen.  He is also survived by his brothers, Lester (Lucy) Bilow, Leon (Susanne) Bilow, and Roger (Sheila) Bilow; brother-in-law, Colin (Michelle) Rowe, and sisters-in-law Darla (Allan) Bilow and Barbara Bilow. Russell also has many nieces and nephews that gave him great joy; however, he had a few that were much more like his grandchildren and great grandchildren to him and he was known as Grampy-Russ; Cory (Erin) Bilow (Calum, Hudson and Rowan), Courtney (Nicholas) Trombley (Liam and Brielle), Kiley Harvey (Blair and Waylon), and Kelly (Kellan) Livsey (Karson and Jaxson).

He was predeceased by his parents, infant brother Louis, brother James, mother and father-in-law Marjorie and Kenneth Rowe, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at the Rabideau Funeral Home in Ellenburg, NY.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 6:30 pm at St. Edmund's Church in Ellenburg, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ellenburg Depot Fire Department or Hospice of the North Country.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jacobsen from Dana Farber, Dr. Whitman and his staff at the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center, especially the very special nurses Rachael, Katherine, Amber, Nora, Jamie, April and Denise. Additional gratitude goes out to the special and compassionate nurses of Hospice of the North Country; Heather, Becky, Katie, Ashley and Chris, who helped Russ live out his final days in his family homestead that he built.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg, NY.