Obituary of Russell J. Kilidjian

RUSSELL J. KILIDJIAN Latham-Russell J Kilidjian, age 90, of Latham New York passed away Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021. Russ was a Troy native and was Class President and Valedictorian of the Troy High School class of 1948. Russ was a lifetime member and former Exalted Ruler of BPOE Lodge 2192, past president of the CSEA, former member of The Parish Counsel, founding member of the Seniors Organization, and was an active member of St Peter Armenian Apostolic Church. Russ was the Director of Finance for the NY State Dept of Agriculture and Markets, and retired after 38 years. He was also a member of the Simonian Avakian Post and Knights of Vartan. Russ was known by all to be a loving and caring member of his community, generous with his time, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Following his retirement, Russ volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Society. To know Russ was to love him and his memory will be making people smile for generations to come. Russ was a natural athlete who excelled at many sports including basketball, bowling, golf and tennis. Russ and Sandy traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and parts of Asia including a trip to Armenia fulfilling his life-long dream. Russ was the son of Oskian and Byzar Kilidjian, brother of the late Marge Sakalian and Rose Ketchoyan. Russ is survived by his loving wife Sandy, daughters Melanie Kilian (James Champoux) and Leta Hunter, son Russell Kilidjian (Angie), and nephew David Ketchoyan. Grandchildren Christine Nicholson, Megan, Jared, and Jackson Kilidjian, Lindsay and Stephen Samela, Ian Hunter, Rhiana Champoux; great grandchildren Violet and Linton Nicholson, and Henry Grady, as well as many cousins. There will be a drive-through final blessing at St Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Watervliet at noon on Friday, February 26, followed by a grave side service at Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy with Reverend Stepanos Doudoukjian officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, P.O. Box 196, Watervliet, NY, 12189. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.