Benjamin Russell "Russ" Ransom

Benjamin Russell Ransom, 96, of Cogan Avenue, Plattsburgh, New York, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont. He was born in Plattsburgh, New York on July 2, 1922 the son of Benjamin and Corrine Lauzon Ransom. He was a graduate of St. John's Academy where he earned the nickname of "Rabbit Ransom" for his exploits as a running back on the seven-man football team. A veteran of World War II, and a Tech Sergeant in the Army Air Corp, he served as a top-turret gunner on a B24 Liberator. His plane was shot down on its thirteenth mission. He served the last nine months of the war in German and Austrian prison camps. Returning home after the war, he married Sylvia Ann (Pat) Pavone in 1946, and they built one of the first homes on Leonard Avenue in Plattsburgh. He worked his entire career as a carpenter and homebuilder, his six sons all having worked alongside him. Russ loved the outdoors - fishing, hunting, and canoeing with Pat in the bow. Perch, caught through the ice of Lake Champlain, were a staple every winter. He is predeceased, by his parents, his wife Sylvia, his brother Edward - who died in the hedgerows of Normandy, and his sons, Edward and Jeffrey. Survivors include his sons, Scott and his wife Marcia; Tim and his wife Frances of Kentucky; Martin; and Todd and his wife Jacqueline; his daughter Mary Beth Gillen and her husband Tom; and his daughter-in-law Gerilyn Ransom of Alaska, along with nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 11:00am at St. John's Church. Interment will be at a later date in Mount Carmel Cemetery with Military Honors. Donations in Russ's memory can be made to the North Country Honor Flight. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.