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Gregory S. Payne
September 30, 2020
The 1970 Crystal Rock Giants coached by Frank Russo (top row, second from the left)
Gregory S. Payne, No. 19
September 25, 2020
I raise my cooler cup of Gatorade to Frank Russo, Defensive Coach of the Crystal Rock Giants Football Team that won the 1970 Championship of the Pop Warner Bantam League of Stamford, Connecticut. The season kicked off fifty years ago today under the lights of Cubeta Stadium. The North Stamford Exchange Road Runners played the Shamrock Packers at 6:00 pm followed by the Clairol Colts verse the Giants at 8:00 pm. The festive evening was the culmination of weeks of hot August training at Roxbury Elementary School. Coach Russo and fellow coaches Greg Clark, Tom Saunders and Tom Iacovacci generously gave of their time and knowledge to fulfill the league’s mission to provide youth, too old for Midget Football and too young for high school, the opportunity to play on an organized team. They were enthusiastic teachers of football fundamentals, good sportsmanship and the importance of physical conditioning. Great coaching and a talent-rich roster led the Giants to two victories each over the Colts and Road Runners, and one loss and one tie to the Packers. On November 15, the Giants won the championship in a hard fought game over the Packers at Rippowam High School. A week later, the Giants travelled to Southbridge, Massachusetts where we beat the town’s top Bantam League team. Coach Russo called me “Slim” and taught me the right way to tackle and to blitz an offensive line, I was a 12-year-old rookie and I came to the first day of full-contact practice with my padding girdle on backwards. After all of these years, the ball is still moving forward. The values that I endeared as a player (teamwork, determination, humor, and strength) were passed to my children, grandchildren, and students. Thank you, Coach Russo, for that fun and rewarding football season. Go Giants!
Darlene Kennedy
December 18, 2009
Maureen,
I don't know whether you will remember me or not. I visited with Frank during one of his visits to St. Francis where I am a eucharistic minister.
I talked with him at length one evening and he told me how much he loved you and wanted to keep on protecting you and taking care of you. Know that you have an angel by your side always.
I was so blessed that our paths crossed that evening. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Darlene Kennedy
Chris DelGrego
March 27, 2009
I just heard about Frank and had to express my sympathies. He got us into trouble many times by coming in to our department, at Sikorsky, and making us laugh. Our VP would come in to see what was going on and Frank would be right in the middle of the trouble. He will be missed.
Phyllis Thomas (Girard)
March 23, 2009
Hi Mo,
I've been thinking a lot about you and Frank and the brave stuggle you've both faced. His sparkling personality will be missed by all who knew him. Best wishes.
Patty Meehan
March 2, 2009
Maureen, I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. The last time we spoke was when my mom (Winnie) died. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bernie, Linda, Ryan & Brittany Gilmore
February 20, 2009
Maureen & Family,
Our condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Moriconi Gustafson
February 20, 2009
Maureen~
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing but am a better person for having known him! I will always fondly remember our Yankee/Red Sox discussions and his awesome smile!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wayne & Gloria Myers
February 20, 2009
Dear Maureen, Heather, and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Wayne and I are so happy we got to visit Frank in the hospital. He was truly a nice person. Our prayers are with you.
Rachel Cavanna
February 20, 2009
Dear Russo Family,
I am sorry to here about your loss. Frank was a very kind and generous man. I have many warm middle school memories thanks to your family. God bless.
Don Swider
February 19, 2009
Dear Chris and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time..may you all find strength and peace in one another...
Cara Price
February 19, 2009
Dear Heather and Family,
I never met your dad but I know he was incredible, loving, kind, thoughtful and funny - just like you. I am so sorry for you loss and am keeping your dad and family very close to my heart and in all of my prayers at this time. Lots of love and peace to all of you xox Cara
JOYCE (SCIPIONI) GENTILOZZI
February 19, 2009
Dear Maureen & Family,
So sorry to hear about your husband.
I know it's been a long time but I wanted you to know that my thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tom and Lori Moseley
February 19, 2009
Maureen
Tom and I are very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Jim & Linda Olbrys
February 19, 2009
Dear Maureen and Family
We are indeed sorry to learn of the passing of Frank, he was a good person, full of life, loved his family and gave all a run for their money.
You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Terry L. Davidson
February 19, 2009
It is with great sadness to learn the passing of Frank. I had the fortune of working with him many years ago at Hartford National Bank. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Joe Holowienko
February 18, 2009
Mo,
You know how influential Frank was in my life. Besides the wild and wonderful times we enjoyed, he showed me how to stay strong and upbeat in the face of adversity. He surely was a big brother to me. I will be there Saturday and always for you and the family.
Love Joey
Ed & Pat Lokiec
February 18, 2009
Dear Maureen & Family
Words can not begin to tell you of our deepest sympathy. Frank is now finally at peace, for that we are thankful. We will never forgot what a wonderful man he was. He will always be with us.
Love
February 18, 2009
maureen: my sister in law Pat Flannery just let us know the sad news. Mauro and I loved spending time with you and Frank when we lived in Glastonbury. I will smile every time I wrap a Christmas present and recall the time Moe and I watched how methodical and joyfully you wrapped each gift up for the kids. making sure each got the same number of gifts and all had the most fun packages... Family and friends ment everything to Frank! Your family will be in my prayers. - Very sincerely, Beth Anne Cieri
Steve McCann & Nicole
February 18, 2009
Frank was one of a kind and a great guy. He will be missed very much. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy and Dom Gautrau
February 18, 2009
Dear Maureen and Family:
We just saw the notice of Frank's passing and want to send our love and condolences to all of you. We're away until March so we will not be able to be with you for the memorial but you and Frank will be in our prayers.
Nancy and Wayne Simmons
February 18, 2009
Maureen and family,
Wayne and I were deeply saddened by Frank's passing. We spent Monday night over dinner (with Jeff and Claudia) thinking of you and your family. We can only imagine how difficult a journey this has been for you. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Nancy and Wayne Simmons
JoAnn Sabo
February 18, 2009
Dear Maureen, Jack and I were so very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Joann and Jack Sabo (your Chanel friends)
BETTY YU KWAN'S JEWELERS
February 18, 2009
Dear Maureen,
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Just want to pass my regards and condolences to you and your family. May your memories of Frank's love bring you comfort and peace of heart, now and through the days ahead. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
In Deepest Sympathy.
Love
Betty
Margaret Rzepecki RN
February 18, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
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Funeral services provided by:
John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Inc.219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040

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