ILION/HERKIMER-Mr. Russell Stanley Kuzniak, of West Main Street, Ilion, a native of Herkimer entered into eternal rest on his 61st birthday Friday evening, October 2nd, 2009 in Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, following a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born on October 2, 1948 in Herkimer, son of the late Stanley and Virginia (Miller) Kuzniak and graduated with Herkimer High School, “Class of 1967”. He furthered his education attending Herkimer County Community College where he graduated with an associate’s degree in computer science. He was born in Herkimer and spent a majority of his life in Amsterdam before coming to Ilion. Mr. Kuzniak proudly served our country with the United States Army where he was a Recon scout. He was last employed with the Ricmar Printing, Amsterdam. Mr. Kuzniak enjoyed collecting stamps and model trains. He also loved listening to music and working with computers. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his beloved family; four daughters: Michelle Heltsley and husband Chris of Naples, Florida, Cynthia Kuzniak of Northville, Nancy Kuzniak of Ilion and step-daughter: Audrey Groves of N. Carolina; two brothers: Ron Kuzniak of Florida and Larry Kuzniak and wife Heidi of S. Carolina; a sister: Lynn Burkowsky and husband Mike of Florida; six cherished grandchildren: Sonia Williams, Andrew Williams, Alexandria, Kayla and Erica Schermerhorn and Cierra Groves; and a great grandchild: Erin Marley Acosta; many nieces, nephews and cousins and his great friends: Andy Trask, George Eldred and Chuck Constantine and Bonnie and Terry Kalka who were very special to Russell. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service commencing on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer. Calling hours will be at the Enea Family Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until the time of the service (7 p.m.) on Tuesday evening. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer where full military honors will be accorded by the US Army will take place on Wednesday, October 7th at 9 am. Kindly consider memorial offerings to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral parlor. The family would like to thank Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, especially mentioning the Critical Care Unit and Valerie for their kindness and compassion as well as family friend Jackie Elthorp who was known to Russell as “ding a ling” for her care offered.