Meet Russ & Tessa

Tessa is from Central New York and Russ was born New York, but now lives in Alabama. Kaily spotted this adorable granddaughter/grandfather duo singing, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver together, in line waiting for their tour. Russ is a graduate of Onondaga Community College. After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served our country for 9 years, repairing ships. Russ studied art in college and initially wanted to be an illustrator draftsmen but he put his talent to work as a pattern maker in a carpentry shop, working with The Foundry. Russ & Tessa decided to come to Howe Caverns while Russ is in New York visiting his children and grandchildren. Tessa said that she went in the cave when she was one year old and didn’t remember so it was time to come back. Tessa wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up so she can take care of animals and one of her big dreams is to travel the world! When Kaily asked if they had anything they wanted to tell everyone, Tessa said, “Dress warmly when you go into the cave.” 70 yr. old Russ is enjoying every second of time being with his family. He said., “Once you get up in years, you just never know how many days you got left. Do what you can before you can’t” YES! YES! YES, Russ! HOWE wise! Thank you for visiting