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Richard P. Russo
Date of Death: September 12, 2022
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Moloney Family Funeral Homes
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Jack DeVries
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Kathy Tobiassen
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Vickilynn 'Seebacher' Brunskill
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FH Admin
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Linda and John Sheehan
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Philip Hobson
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Michael Proios
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Karen Gustafson
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Arrangements starting at $35

Visitation
Moloney's Port Jefferson Station Funeral Home
523 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Saturday 9/17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Moloney's Port Jefferson Station Funeral Home
523 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Saturday 9/17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Service
Moloney's Port Jefferson Station Funeral Home
523 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Saturday 9/17, 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Memorial

Donations are appreciated to Conway Area Humane Society

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Donations are appreciated to the M & D Playhouse

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Richard Paul Russo was 79 years old when he passed away peacefully on Monday September 12, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Russo, his sister Carole Devine and husband Glen, his son, Joseph Russo, his daughter Kathleen Barbour and husband Don, his grandchildren Jacquelyn Barbour and husband Dan Nash , Daniel Barbour, Katelyn…

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Donna M Naylor Edwards left a message on February 21, 2023:
My sincere condolences to the Russo family Mr. Russo was an excellent teacher and I learned so much from him.
Jack DeVries left a message on September 23, 2022:
Nothing but good memories of Rich. He took a chance on me working as a ski instructor at Wildcat. He helped and guided me with that endeavor. Riches wit in the instructors room was a wonderful thing to watch while sitting in the corner. One of the best of times for me ~
Antoinette (Toni) Christ left a message on September 21, 2022:
In loving memory of Richard who will always hold a special place in my heart and whose memory will always be cherised as a special friend with whom my husband, Nick and I spent many hours together fishing and sharing dinners. My condolances to Sandra and family. .RIP Rich. Forever loved.
Molly and Paul O'Rourke left a message on September 20, 2022:
Rich, if there is a rainbow bridge for people, we hope you have found Dante and Z-Man on the other side waiting for you. We can still see you in our mind’e eye, paddling out on an Umbagog Lake misty morning, spotting eagles and turtles, and being part of the sunrise. We loved our times with you and Sandra. We will always miss you.
Kathy Tobiassen left a message on September 20, 2022:
Sending love and light to Mr. Russo's family and friends...
condolence-advertisement Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kathy Tobiassen left a message on September 20, 2022:
Mr. Russo was one of my favorite teachers. I think about him often. Sending love and light to his family and friends...
Marc Rosado left a message on September 19, 2022:
My sincere condolences to his family. Through the drama club, drama class, and the plays, Mr. Russo literally changed the trajectory of my life. He gave me the inspiration and confidence to spend 34 years in the classroom teaching my own students. Thanks Mr. Russo.
Joe Slizewski left a message on September 19, 2022:
My condolences to your family Mr Russo, you were one of a few teachers that took interest in me back in RP. I enjoyed fishing with you down at the Woodhull Landing beach, it’s nice to have those memories. RIP
Gary Bauer (RPHS 83) left a message on September 19, 2022:
Richard was a great man. His students could speak with him as a friend, always with great respect. I remember my last day at RPHS thanking him for all he'd done for me, addressing him as Mr. Russo as always. He said to me, with all you've accomplished, you've graduated...call me Richard. I always admired him, his theatre should have been on the main floor, he earned it!! Thank you to the Russo family for sharing Richard with us. My sincere Condolences and Prayers; please know that he was truly loved by his students.
Beth Labanca left a message on September 18, 2022:
Mr.russo was my study hall teacher.. he was such a nice,sweet man..I still can not believe he is passed away... Now he is a beautiful angel looking down on all of us.prayers and thoughts to his wife and family! R.i.p.
Brian Bennett left a message on September 18, 2022:
Sandra/Joseph, So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. We have many fond memories to look back on. I will always remember your efforts traveling each weekend to be with us at Wildcat. Patty so enjoyed your skits and songs at the ski school parties. If there is a heaven I know you're enjoying this ski trip....bluebird day with fresh powder! I will make sure that we take a few runs for you this winter. Brian and Patty
Mike Meehan left a message on September 18, 2022:
Sandra, Joseph, our sincere condolences on Rich's passing. We are thinking of you and all of the good times...Mike and Donna Meehan
Joseph Scalia left a message on September 17, 2022:
My sincere condolences to the Russo Family. I was deeply saddened to hear the news that Rich Russo, my high school and college classmate and friend, died this week. Although we hadn't seen each other in decades, Rich and I kept in touch through mutual friends through his retirement to Maine and his recent return to Long Island. We were planning to finally get together when the dust of moving settled and take up where we left off. Sadly, as the the poet Robert Burns said, "“The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley.” I regret that we didn't meet up again here, but maybe, if all that stuff they taught us is so, we will meet again. Rest in peace, my friend.
George Weigold left a message on September 17, 2022:
Sandra, Rich was a good friend and will be missed. My father and I greatly appreciated the Giants' Super Bowl tapes. Karen and I send our love and deepest sympathies. George
Tony and Jenny Simone left a message on September 16, 2022:
Sandra...it is with great sadness to hear of Rich's passing. Besides shock and deep regret...we now turn to wonderful memories of his personality and talents....a truly super individual. All the best to you Sandra from all your friend in the Mt. Washington Valley.
Cheryl Raimondo left a message on September 16, 2022:
Dear Sandra, It was so good to hear your voice. I am so sorry that Richard is no longer with you. He was such an inspirational person to so many in education, In the classroom and on the slopes. I loved seeing his most recent LI pictures of your sweet pups and his adult children. I am holding you and Joseph in my heart. xo
Sandy Kurtz left a message on September 16, 2022:
I will so miss you my friend. My thoughts are with Sondra at this most difficult time.
Theresa McNeice left a message on September 15, 2022:
Dear Sandra, Jim and I were saddened to learn of Rich’s passing. We have fond memories of his many performances at M&D. He was always so impressive with his stage presence and his passion for theatre. Rich was a good man, neighbor and friend. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Barbara and Dexter left a message on September 15, 2022:
We are both a little stunned. And, of course, deeply saddened. Rich was always a vital, funny, talented person who played a big role in our lives (in addition to the roles he played on stage.) He left us with so many memories, both kind and humorous (we still have Dexter's "Color blind" award displayed in the screen room.) Sandra, we wish you peace. Rich had a big impact on the lives that he touched here in the valley, and won't be forgotten.
Vickilynn 'Seebacher' Brunskill left a message on September 15, 2022:
In memory of Richard P. Russo, Vickilynn 'Seebacher' Brunskill lit a candle
condolence-advertisement Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kevin McEnaney left a message on September 15, 2022:
Dear Sandra, Darlene & I are saddened by hearing the news of Rich’s untimely death. Rich was a great guy who was so well liked, as you are as well, by the Mt Washington Valley community. We send to you our heartfelt sympathy and know that the love that you & Rich had for one another will give you the strength to carry on. He will always be with you in Spirit. Rest In Peace, Rich. Kevin & Darlene
FH Admin left a message on September 15, 2022:
In memory of Richard P. Russo, FH Admin lit a candle
Ralph and Sally Fiore left a message on September 15, 2022:
So many great memories of Rich’s songs about Wildcat. He threw a great party! And gave us all so many wonderful stage performances. You are missed. Thinking of all of you who love him.
Linda and John Sheehan left a message on September 15, 2022:
Sandra, we are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We are thinking of you. Linda and John Sheehan
Gregory Burns left a message on September 15, 2022:
I am so sorry to hear about Rich. I loved skiing and working with Rich at Wildcat. But, as much as I will miss that, I will so miss just sitting talking about baseball, sports, art, theater...you name it. Just a good soul who will be much missed.
Elaine Nylander left a message on September 15, 2022:
I met you both for a ski lesson on the mountain. Surprise, surprise Richard ended up as the director of the ski school. A man of so many talents and you Sandra were the quiet support behind the man who helped make it all possible. My thoughts go out to you and the whole Russo family at this very difficult time.
Darlene Ference left a message on September 15, 2022:
One of a kind!! Bob and I loved talking to Rich. Our condolences to Sandra and the family. We so loved our visit to your new home…..that was a fun time that we talk about. Who knew that people who lived in the North Country knew the area of Port Jefferson so well. Rich was kind, funny and so articulate. We will miss him.
Heather Elise Hamilton and Ryan Sturgis left a message on September 14, 2022:
He was a treasure. Brilliant, kind, a great light and a poem of a person. Our hearts are broken. Sending such love.
Philip Hobson left a message on September 14, 2022:
May God's love surround the family in this time of grief.
Camille DeProspo left a message on September 14, 2022:
I was saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Jeanne & Dave Mason left a message on September 14, 2022:
Oh Sandra, we wrap our arms around you in love as we hear this terribly sad news. We share so many wonderful memories with you and Rich, and treasure our friendship and times together. Much Love, Jeanne & Dave
Vickilynn 'Seebacher' Brunskill left a message on September 14, 2022:
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Russo's family. As an English and drama teacher at RPHS (class of 1983), he was a blessing to me and my brother Rob. He encouraged, listened, and led us. He also inspired and cared deeply for his students. I was blessed to find the words to thank him for his guidance a few years back upon publication of my first book. ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ –William Butler Yeats Thank you for lighting the fire, Mr. Russo and rest in peace, dear teacher.
Judy Kennedy left a message on September 14, 2022:
Hard to hear this. Hard to even believe it, One of my absolute most favorite people, Rich opened his talent and his heart to the people of Mount Washington Valley like me, who love theatre but knew little about its workings. He generously provided us with a rare opportunity to audit his acting and directing classes to find out, and to put teachings to reality by watching him perform in countless memorable roles on stage. I took both courses just to listen to him talk and for the hours of discussion than ensued afterword between him, his actors, and his friends like me who had the passion but not the ability. All this while helping to build one of the best, little, award winning theatre companies here in the mountains, once something of a "cultural wasteland" and now because of generous teachers like him, an arts mecca for the northern New England woods and its many visitors.
Ken Martin left a message on September 14, 2022:
“Oh, this world has more Of coming and of going Than I can bear. I guess it's eternity I want, Where all things are And always will be, Where I can hold my loves A little looser, Where finally we realize Time Is the only thing that really dies.” Carol Lynn Pearson More than a father, more than a friend, more than a teacher or mentor- there are no words to express how much you impacted my life and my heart. My deepest sympathy to Sandra and your family for the loss of a truly great man. How I yearn to roll back the clock and say these things to you in person, but rest well knowing you will be loved- always!
Michael Proios left a message on September 14, 2022:
Sandra, My thoughts and heart are with you during this time. I’m so sorry for Richard’s loss. May the many happy memories that you made together be a consolation today and all the days ahead. I send you my sincere condolences and sympathies. Michael Proios
Karen Gustafson left a message on September 13, 2022:
Sandra, my thoughts are with you at this extremely difficult time. Rich was a blessing in my life and made me a better person. Acting under his direction and also beside him on stage are memories that I will never forget.
Christine Thompson left a message on September 13, 2022:
It's not an exaggeration to say that Rich Russo changed my life. He was a mentor, teacher, father figure and friend. My live is richer for having known him and I will miss him terribly. Peace to his beloved wife Sandra and his children and grandchildren whom he loved so much.
Vicki Manasia left a message on September 13, 2022:
My condolences to your family
Brian Murray left a message on September 13, 2022:
Mr. Russo was a mentor for myself and many others from the Rocky Point class of 1975. So much of an impact did he have on me, that my life would not have turned out as it did if not for his counseling and sage advice. He was my JV basketball coach, little league baseball coach, and high school drama coach. He changed the course of my life when I was 15 and given the lead role in my first play. We went on to have many successful productions with Mr. Kepko and the music departments of the school. I speak for Ashley Hammond, who has passed on, but would want to join me in saying that Richard Russo’s wonderful soul has had a deep impact on the students we were and the men we would come to be. God Bless Mr. Russo. We shall meet again. ️❤️
Moloney Family Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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