Russell J. deLucia

His innovative approaches helped create a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable world. Dr. Russell Joseph deLucia passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 83 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Born on July 3,1941, Russell dedicated his life to addressing global poverty, climate change and economic injustice in innovative and impactful ways. Russell graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1959 and pursued further education at Manhattan College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. He completed his academic journey with a PhD from Harvard University in 1969. His career spanned 58 years where he was a founding member of Meta Systems from 1967 to 1984, deLucia and Associates from 1985 to 2001, and the non-profit Small-Scale Infrastructure Development Fund (S3IDF) from 2001 until his passing. Throughout his life, Russell was not only known as an impassioned philanthropist and angel investor, but also as a fabulous Italian cook and enthusiastic host. Described as purposeful, driven, brilliant and big-hearted, Russell was a mentor to many and influenced numerous international organizations that support underserved populations - his passion. His innovative approaches to financial inclusion, asset creation for those in informal economies and use of small impactful technologies to mitigate climate change and meet basic needs came from his wish to make lives better. He worked in 66 countries and his efforts helped support and develop economic and financial systems that are more inclusive, sustainable and equitable. Russell is survived by his loving wife and partner, Robin Brenner of Cambridge, MA; his sister, Marie DeLucia of NYC, NY; his sister-in-law, Jamie Brenner Gutner of Dedham, MA and her children Tristan and Cassidy and grandchildren; his sister-in-law Lisa Brenner and her husband Michael Selon of St. Paul, MN and Sarasota, FL and their sons Zero, Daniel and Adam. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph A. DeLucia, his mother Dorothy and stepmother Carmelita. Celebrations of Russell's life will be held at later dates in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. Contributions in his memory may be made to World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization close to Russell's heart, known for its rapid response to disasters in the U.S. and worldwide or a charity of one's choice. Family and friends are invited to join in a Celebration of Life on Monday May 12th at 11:30 a.m. in MARESCA & SONS FUNERAL HOME 592 Chapel St. at Wooster Square, New Haven, CT. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell J. deLucia, please visit our floral store.