Francis J. Russo, Jr.

Francis J. Russo Jr. of Bridgeport, CT died September 17, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. He was the proud father of his only son, Todd Russo. Todd's wife Carolyn and his three grandchildren, Marguerite, Mitchell, and Libby brought him much joy. Fran was predeceased by his parents, Francis J. Russo, DDS and Kathleen Noonan Russo. He was an older brother-by-another-mother to his first cousins, Drs. Bob (Kathy) and Arlyne (Joe Rocco) Russo. Fran was educated at Bassick High School in Bridgeport, graduating in 1961, where he was a track star and president of the Key Club. He went on to achieve an associate degree at Champlain College in Vermont. He graduated from University of New Haven with a BS degree in Industrial Administration and Engineering in 1967. Fran served as an E6 Army Staff Sargent and was honorably discharged in 1970. His professional career was in property management for Compo Industries, Pepitone Corporation, US Surgical, Aetna, and Commerce Park Corporation. He worked several years in semi-retirement as a financial analyst for his uncle's radiology practice, Robert D. Russo Sr, MD. He was the beloved nephew of Wanda B. Russo. He is also survived by his sister Tricia, her husband, Jim, and son, Jason, and a cousin Richard Russo and his wife, Donna. His relatives, the Delia and Noonan families will also miss him. Fran was a unique individual who had an amazing talent for spinning tall tales about his many adventures in life. He was a loyal friend and steadfast supporter of those he loved and was loved by many. He was an accomplished carpenter and sportsman. A special thank you goes to Fran's supporters and life-long friends, Eileen Altieri and Tony Ortiz who stayed by his side and nursed him through his final months. Also appreciated is the medical direction and care given by Fran's close friend, respiratory therapist, David Junger. The nursing aids, Megan, Beth, Shawna, Debbie and Marcia and the skilled nursing services of Hospice nurse, Theresa, were outstanding. There will be calling hours at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield CT, Sunday September 23 between 5pm and 8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held in the chapel at St Pius Roman Catholic Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield CT at 10am Monday morning, September 24, 2018. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery in Stratford CT following Mass.