Russell C. Hastings

Russell ''Russ'' C. Hastings, 57, of Ulster Park, died Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, after a heroic battle against cancer for two and a half years.




Russ was a graduate of Massapequa High School, class of 1972 and SUNY Oswego College, class of 1976, with a degree in broadcast and communications. After college, Russ worked various jobs, managing several restaurants, tending bar and doing carpentry and odd jobs.



On his 40th birthday, Russ chose to make a career change and went back to school to become an occupational therapist. He attended Maria College, Albany, and graduated from Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY receiving his bachelor of science in occupational therapy at the age of 47, graduating at the top of his class with a 4.0 GPA.



Russ was hired by Kingston City Schools, working primarily at the Kennedy School and Edson School as an occupational therapist for over 10 years.



Russ enjoyed spending time with his family, carpentry and working around home. He loved the beach, especially taking his jeep on the beach, camping and fishing and he enjoyed a good glass of wine.



Russ was born March 9, 1954 in Brooklyn, NY and is survived by his loving family, his wife, Georgia Hastings, they wed on July 25, 1986. His children Shaylyn A. Hastings and Travis W. Hastings, both of Ulster Park, mother Marie Hastings, his sister Diane F. Dobstaff and her husband Tom, and his niece and god daughter Katherine Berghahn and her husband Rick and their children Lucas and Ben. He was predeceased by his father Charles Hastings.



Entrusted to the care of the Eric Keyser, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, the family will receive their friends on Saturday from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 pm. The memorial service will be at 8:00 pm.




The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, 121 Executive Drive, New Windsor, NY 12553. Light a candle in memory of Russ at www.KeyserFuneralService.com .