Russell D. Gow III

Today we honor Russell D. Gow III of the Factoryville Fire Company.

Russell David “Rooster” Gow III, age 58, of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, died November 21, 2013, doing what he loved, courageously answering his final call.

Russ was born in East Benton, Pennsylvania, to the late Russell Gow Jr. and Evelyn Davis Gow. He was a 1974 graduate of Lackawanna Trail High School.

A grizzly of a man with the heart of teddy bear, Russ was very well known and respected for his duties as a dedicated first responder and a loving community servant. His passion was truly community service in every way. He never met a stranger; he could stop just about anywhere in the tri-state area and run into someone he knew. Russ was also infamous for his sayings, which many imitated but none could quite replicate.

Russ served as a 43-year life member of the Factoryville Fire Company. He previously served 10 years as chief and was currently serving as assistant fire chief and trustee. He was a 40-year member of the Nicholson Fire Company, a member of the Fleetville Fire Company, president of the Abington Area Line Officers Association, former instructor of the Northeast Pennsylvania & Susquehanna County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, a former Pennsylvania Department of Health EMT Instructor, a member of the Scott Dive Team, and a member of the NRA.

Russ enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite time of year was buck season. He spent months preparing for it.

Above all else, Russ was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is truly missed by his wife, Sharon Butler Gow; daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Lance Ward; son and daughter-in-law, Brian Gow & Kara Waters; grandson, Brian Russell Gow, who was the light of his life; stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, Nick & Jodie Edder; stepdaughter, Jennifer Edder; and step-granddaughter, Emma Jean Edder.

Russ will forever live in the hearts of all who had the pleasure to know him.