Photo courtesy of Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home - Cincinnati
Aug 10, 1960 - Feb 10, 2026
Your caring guidance and coaching to the many student athletes will carry on your legacy. You will be missed.
Hal Hopkins
February 24, 2026 | Boxford, MA | Friend
The goodbyes and tears will morph into memories that you’ll hold close to your heart, now and forever.
Gary Baitz
February 16, 2026 | SURPRISE, AZ | Coworker
Ron was a caring coach and counselor. It was an honor to have known him and worked with him. God rest his soul.
Bob Reynolds
February 16, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Coworker
I enjoyed competing against Ron weekly for 6 years from 7th to 12th grade. He was a worthy adversary.
Steve Groh
February 15, 2026
You're life floods memories into my life. Such a great man. I miss you already. xo
Lori Penno-Kusters
February 15, 2026 | Cincinnati | Friend
To the Russo family, I graduated from CHS in 96, I had Mr.Russo for civic class and he is one of a select number of teacher that I still recall lessons from. Please know his impact was far reaching, I am sad to hear he's gone.
Jenny Hershberger (maiden)
February 14, 2026 | OH | Student
Remembered By
Daniel Fulmer
February 12, 2026 | Mount Orab, OH | Acquaintance
Remembered By
Mark Potzick
February 12, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Acquaintance
Ronald Thomas Russo, 65, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, after a three year battle with ALS.
Ron was born on August 10, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Thomas Russo and Marie Beach, alongside his twin brother, Frank, and his brothers Phil, Larry, and Eddie Cuilla.
It was during his junior high years at White Oak that Ron first developed a love for running. Once he entered high school, his running career took off. As captain at Colerain High School, he led the 1978 cross country team to the school’s first state championship.
Ron earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Texas before completing his collegiate running career at Indiana University under coach Sam Bell, where he competed in track and cross country, earned his bachelor’s degree, and built lifelong friendships as a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He later received a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Miami University.
Over a 35-year career, Ron became a beloved cross country and track coach whose impact extended far beyond the finish line. From 1997 to 2000, he led Colerain High School to four consecutive Women’s Cross Country state championships, establishing the program as a national powerhouse. He later brought that same leadership and standard of excellence to McAuley High School and Thomas More University, transforming each program into a competitive contender.
In addition to coaching, Ron served as a high school counselor at Colerain, where he mentored and guided countless students. Whether in the classroom, in his counselor’s office, or out on the course, he was known for his high expectations, relentless dedication to training, contagious laughter, and his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him.
When he wasn’t coaching, you could find Ron traveling with his son, often visiting iconic sports events from the Rose Bowl, Ohio State vs Michigan, and the Home Run Derby to evenings at legendary venues like Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, and Yankee Stadium. There was never a sporting event that wasn’t memorable and full of joy.
Ron is survived by his son, Brennan Russo, and his daughter-in-law Erica; his twin brother, Frank Russo; his nephew, Sam; his niece, Halle; and his former wife, Laurie.
Services will be held in late May or early June. Additional details will follow.
Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. www.mrfh.com
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