Russell T. Olmsted, 88, of Meridian, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late George Russell Olmsted, and the late Maude Thomas Olmsted. After high school he joined the Army Reserves. He worked for years in inventory control at Fay's Drugs in Liverpool. He loved model trains and was a longtime member of the Meridian Fire department and then the Cato Fire Department. As well as the Fire Association for the State of NY on the state and county level. 

He is predeceased by his wife, Sarah J. Olmsted, son, Mark T. Olmsted, brother, Duane Olmsted. Survived by his children, Cheryl (Rolland Schmidt) Olmsted-Block of Cato, Craig (Diane) Olmsted of Meridian, brother, Chris (Karen) Olmsted of Alabama, sister, Kay (Earl) Martin of Cato, grandchildren, Matthew (Kaitlyn Anderson) Olmsted, Nathan Olmsted, Melissa (Jody) Block-Gallup, Michael (Brandilyn Townsend) Block, great grandchildren, Lennox, Blake, Nina, Gabriel, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Calling hours will be Sunday, October 25, 12:00-2:00 with a service at 2:00, at the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 11362 South Street, Cato, a graveside service will take place Monday, October 26, 11:00 AM at the Meridian Monumental Cemetery, Meridian. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make contributions in Russell's name they may do so to the Cato Fire Department, 2569 East Main St., PO Box, 252, Cato, NY 13033, or CIMVAC, 2496 W. Main St. Cato, NY 13033. www.catoredcreek.com