Donald J. Rustici

DONALD J. RUSTICI, well-known in the community as Don Russell, passed on at Stamford Hospital on Saturday, March 13th. Don was the son of the late Joseph Rustici and Louise Tamburri Rustici. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia O'Neill Rustici in 1990. Don is survived by four children, Donna Courchaine of Wethersfield, Peggy Zalkind of Redding, Patrick Rustici of Redding, and Ginny Ranson of Newtown; eight grandchildren; Joseph Vinci, Jr., Shana Rustici, Kendra Brewbaker, Christopher Rustici, Matthew Zalkind, Kristen Vogt, Katie Ranson, Travis Ranson; eight great-grandchildren; Tyler, Kyle, Carter, Helena, Maxx, Hailey, Nathan and Jared; his sister, Jean Rustici of Stamford; and his companion of 15 years Virginia Atkins of Stamford. Don was born in Stamford Hospital on March 10, 1921. He graduated from King School and continued his education at Columbia University in New York. Don served as a member of the US Army Air Corps during World War II where he was stationed in Nashville, TN. He returned to Stamford with his wife, Virginia and their baby Donna, following his discharge. Most that knew Don were aware that he was a pioneer in the Broadcasting Industry working with personalities that ranged from Jackie Gleason to the stars of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. He was a local broadcast celebrity in Stamford at radio station WSTC AM and WYRS FM. Don was a respected and most read columnist for The Stamford Advocate until the time of his death. His passion was speaking and writing about the history of Stamford and was involved in the community throughout his lifetime. Don had a special place in his heart for the Ferguson Library and considered it the most important place in the town of Stamford. Outside of his phenomenal career and dedication to Stamford Don was a loving brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His presence will be missed but his spirit will live on forever. The family would like to invite all to a Celebration of Don's life on Saturday, March 27th at 11a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford Street, Stamford. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Don Russell Memorial Fund; The Ferguson Library Foundation; 1 Public Plaza; Stamford, CT 06904. Please make donations payable to the Ferguson Library Foundation.