Richard Nixon was the nation’s president when Ron Russell III began his journey in the village of East Syracuse’s Department of Public Works. The hippies were giving way to disco fanatics and the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War was about to come to an end.
Forty years later, Russell, 60, is still working for the DPW, and he’s worked his way to the position of superintendent, the top of the ladder. At a recent village board meeting, Russell was recognized for his service. Mayor Danny Liedka said Russell is the best man for the job, and that when Russell finally retires, it’s going to be difficult to replace him.
“I don’t even want to think about it,” Liedka said over the phone. “He knows this village’s infrastructure better than anyone. For now, I just want to keep enjoying the ride with someone who has so much knowledge and cares so much.”
“His knowledge and passion are unparalleled. All of his success is a testament to his work ethic. I am so proud to have had him for this long.”
Danny Liedka, East Syracuse Mayor
When Russell graduated from East Syracuse-Minoa High School, he earned some summer dollars through the DPW for cleaning up trees and brush as part of a beautification project. His work there, he says, led to his landing a low-level full-time job in the department.
He still managed to finish up at SUNY Morrisville, then went and jumped right into the new job.
“I was incredibly fortunate to get the position,” he said. “I grew up in East Syracuse and I think I know it well, so it’s a job that fits.”
The husband and father of two sons and a daughter held many different positions until he earned the title of superintendent eight years ago. It’s a job he puts a ton of time and effort into.
“I wouldn’t say my wife supports the amount of time I put in,” he said with a chuckle.
Russell finds little free time, as he has also been a volunteer firefighter for the past 40 years. Some of that time was spent as chief.
“His knowledge and passion are unparalleled,” Liekda added. “All of his success is a testament to his work ethic. I am so proud to have had him for this long.”
So far this winter season there has been very little in the way of snowfall, making the DPW’s job a bit easier since it doesn’t have to constantly plow roads and fill potholes. Aside from saving the taxpayers some cash, something Russell is passionate about, Russell said the mild weather has allowed the DPW to focus on some other projects that wouldn’t be able to be done in a normal Central New York winter.
“We’re getting to do some building maintenance and other things,” he said. “When you’re not dealing with constant snow storms, you really do get a chance to focus on better-weather activities.”
Russell claims to be an avid hunter, fisher and die-hard New York Yankees fan. He says Lou Piniella, former Yankee player and manager, is his favorite player, citing Piniella’s fiestyness.
One of his daughters, Amanda Russell, graduated from Syracuse University and has written for Eagle Newspapers in the past.
Russell said he hasn’t decided when he’s going to retire.
“I like the job, and I haven’t made a decision,” he said. “It is what it is.”
Neil Benjamin Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
