Mr. Samuel Louis Russo Jr.

UTICA – Mr. Samuel Louis Russo, Jr., age 76, left this earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father on March 17, 2026, after a long illness, at Wynn Hospital. Sam was born on January 2, 1950, in Utica, to Samuel L. and Eleanor (Russo) Russo. He studied in both parochial and public schools in Utica, but especially valued his time at Our Lady of Lourdes School, where, as a young child, he dressed as St. Patrick for a school function. Sam went on to attend Notre Dame High School, graduating in 1968, and then Utica College, which was at that time part of Syracuse University, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Political Science. Later in life, Sam left the work force and enrolled at St. John's University in Jamaica, Queens, New York, graduating in 1981 with a Master of Arts in Government and Politics. It was at Utica College that Sam met the love of his life, Janice Furtek. They were married in August of 1971 at St. Stanislaus Church, a union that would last 54 years, during which they were inseparable. Sam began his career while still in college, working as a carrier for the United States Postal Service. After graduating, he went on to serve numerous charitable organizations, as well as local and regional government agencies. A consummate grant writer, Sam raised funds in each of his roles, beginning with the City of Utica under Mayor Mike Caruso. He later became Executive Director of the National Foundation March of Dimes and went on to work for Utica Mayor Ed Hanna, first as Senior Planner and then as Planning Director. Sam also held positions with the American Lung Association, ARC of Oneida County, and the Southern Tier Regional Planning Commission in Corning, New York. Upon returning to the Mohawk Valley after earning his master's degree, Sam was appointed by Utica Mayor Stephen J. Pawlinga as Community Development Specialist, where he once again managed the City of Utica's multi-million-dollar grant programs. He also served the Utica Common Council as Chief Legislative Research Analyst. Because of his deep appreciation for the academic environment, the latter half of Sam's career was spent in higher education. He served at Herkimer County Community College and, later, at Mohawk Valley Community College, from which he retired in 2012 as Grants Director. At the time of his retirement, he also served as President of the Administrators Union. Sam maintained memberships in many civic and professional organizations, including the American Academy of Political Science, the International Platform Association, and, at one time, served as Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Utica. Sam was indeed the life of the party in college with his Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity brothers. He cherished regular family gatherings, especially on Sundays when his mom would cook the standard Italian fare. He was a generous soul, especially at Christmas. He loved his brother's family and his in-laws with his whole heart and took great joy in treating everyone to dinner, always insisting that appetizers be ordered for the table. Sam and Janice later devoted themselves to caring for his parents and mother-in-law in their later years, even taking them on vacations to the Finger Lakes, New York City, and New Hampshire. There was also a special place in his heart for his sister-in-law, Jackie, who was like a daughter to Sam and Janice from a young age. When Sam's health failed, he was most happy when watching the New York Yankees and St. John's University basketball games, as well as studying the stock market, world politics and economics. He always had a stock pick to give you. However, above everything else, Sam loved the Lord. He could tell you about the lives of numerous Saints and always enjoyed conversations about the Catholic Faith with his priest friends, especially the late Monsignor John Flanagan, Father John Mikalajunas, Father Joseph Moskal, and Father Amedeo Guida. He was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Sam leaves behind his grieving widow, Janice; his brother, Steven S. Russo and wife Christine, as well their two very special sons, Joshua, and Nicholas. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Jacqueline Swift and her husband, Jim, and their son Derek; his brother-in-law, Fred Furtek, Jr. and his wife Mary Ann, and their children Joel, Jeremy (Kari), and Amber (Jamey) Gray and their families. He is additionally survived by his maternal aunts, Linda Russo (Linda's partner Frank Fuccillo), Marie Russo, and Elizabeth Scarafile; and a special cousin, Angela Biggs and her husband Richard; in addition to many other cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Sam; and his in-laws, Frances and Fred Furtek, Sr. Janice would like to thank the following friends for the kindness they showed to Sam and to her: Celia and Mark Domser, Carmelita White, Mark Chirico, Louis Raya, Paul and Barbara Mickler, Steve Zielinski, and the many neighbors at the Academy at Southgate who baked, cooked, and provided any assistance Janice needed in caring for Sam. The spiritual support offered by Father Mark Kaminski and Deacon George Spohr was also invaluable in keeping the family centered. Sam also leaves behind his mentor, Professor Frank P. LeVeness of St. John's University, with whom he remained in contact throughout the years. The family would like to thank the staff of Wynn Hospital, especially the outstanding Rapid Response Team and the Pastoral Care Department, for their compassionate care of Sam during his final days. In honoring Sam's wishes, funeral services are private and under the direction of the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In your kindness, and in leu of floral offerings, please send a donation to Holy Trinity Church, 1206 Lincoln Ave, Utica, New York 13502, or have a mass said for him at a Catholic Church of your choice. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. This obituary was lovingly written by Samuel's family.