LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Francis R. Russo Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Francis R. Russo Jr. of Oneonta, New York, died on Sunday,
July 7, 2013, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Francis R. Russo Jr. was a lifelong resident of Oneonta, New
York, and the son of the late Ralph and Faustina Russo; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, Francis R. Russo Jr. joined the United States Air
Force, where he met and married his wife, Sheila, of nearly 60 years;
after leaving the Air Force he worked as a brakeman on the Delaware and
Hudson Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Francis R. Russo Jr. became a firefighter for the city of
Oneonta in 1958; he admirably served as the department's chief for eight
of his 33 years of service; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, With strong leadership, as well as a passion for firefighter
training and community service, Francis R. Russo Jr. created a dynamic
department with the capacity to grow and meet the increasing state and
national regulations; his trainings set high standards, and enhanced his
crew's ability to work together; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this exemplary man was a New York State fire
instructor, as well as a self-employed painter, operating the RCM Paint-
ing Business; and
WHEREAS, Francis R. Russo Jr.'s strong commitment to excellence and
his spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, An active member within his community, Francis R. Russo Jr.
was a founding member of Fire Union Local 2408, and the 6th Ward Athlet-
ic Association where he served as president and treasurer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served as president and on the board of
directors of the 6th Ward Booster Club, was a catcher on the Oneonta
Municipal Softball League, and was instrumental in the founding of the
Oneonta Fast Pitch Softball League; he coached Pee Wee Football, and
actively followed Oneonta High School Football; and
WHEREAS, A member of St. Mary's Church, Francis R. Russo Jr. was an
usher, and volunteer for the congregation's annual Thanksgiving Dinner;
he and his wife also delivered Meals on Wheels; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Rose Grimes, and sister-in-law,
Judith Russo, Francis R. Russo Jr. is survived by his wife, Sheila
Russo; children, Renee (Thomas), Gina (Timothy), and Frank III (Diane);
grandchildren, Thomas, Angela (Mike), Leanae (James), Leah, Lauren,
Frank, Justin, and Antonio; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Shaylee, Micha-
el, Lucia, Dominic, Mila, Coralie, and Arya; sister and brothers, There-
sa (Joe), Santo, Robert (Josephine), Joseph (Marge); brothers-in-law,
William, John (Sonia), and Ronald (Gail); as well as several nieces and
nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Francis R. Russo Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Francis R. Russo Jr., distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Francis R. Russo Jr.