Russell L. Alger, 76, of Ghent N.Y., passed away February 9, 2018 at Columbia Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Russ was born November 4, 1941 to Russell and Ruth Alger in Masonville, N.Y. He moved to Chatham, N.Y. while working for Asplundh Tree Service. It was here that he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Parlman. They were married for 37 years until her untimely passing in 2006. Known for his carpentry and woodworking skills, Russ ran his own successful building company for many years. He built a beautiful craftsman home for his family and furnished it with furniture of his own craft. He had a love of motorsports and hot rods. In his younger years, he raced motorcycles and eventually became a hot rodder and proud owner of a 1948 Ford. His greatest joy in life was his family and he cherished nothing more than family gatherings and cheering on his beloved grandchildren at their sporting events and activities. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren. He was known for his rapid-fire storytelling and infectious smile. Russ was a life member of the Ghent Sportsmen Association, Ghent Volunteer Fire Company, Ghent VFW Post 5933 Social Sons and IBEW. Russ is survived by: his loving daughters and spouses, Teshia and Chris McMurray of Valatie, and Heidi and Christopher Brennan of Ghent; his cherished grandchildren Grace, Aidan and Ethan Brennan; granddaughter Lauren Hill; dear sisters Judi (Dale) Lacey, Jayne (Tony) Soule, and Janice Alger; many other close relatives and friends; and, beloved granddog and daily companion, Murphy. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy, his parents, and brothers Michael, Lawrence and Edgar Alger. Family will receive friends on Monday, February 12 at The French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, N.Y. from 4 to 7 p.m. Services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 13 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with burial immediately following at Ghent Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ghent VFW Christmas Toy and Relief Fund, P.O. Box 181, Ghent, N.Y. 12075 or the Ghent Food Pantry, P. O. Box 98 2306 State Route 66 Ghent, NY 12075-0098. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.