BRISTOL, Conn. – Ferdinand “Fred” or “Junior” Joseph Russo Jr. passed away at Bristol Hospital (Bristol, Conn.) peacefully during the early morning hours of Jan. 8, 2021 at the age of 71. Fred was born on May 27, 1949 in Portland to the late Ferdinand and Phyllis (Cartonio) Russo.Fred grew up in Portland, the youngest of five kids where he was a standout athlete; especially in baseball and football. He was the recipient of the Fitzpatrick Trophy. After graduating from Portland High School in 1967, he continued his baseball and football careers while pursuing an education at Bates College in Lewiston. During their freshman year at Bates, he and his wife Donna met for the first time. They graduated from Bates College in 1972 and then Fred followed Donna back to her hometown of Bristol, Conn. where they married, bought a house and started their family. They have remained residents of Bristol, Conn. ever since.Fred spent his career teaching high school science at St. Paul’s Catholic High School (Bristol, Conn.) from 1972 to 1976. He was also an assistant football coach and varsity tennis coach while working at St. Paul. During that time, he attended Central Connecticut State College to pursue his master’s degree in biology. In the fall of 1976, Fred started working at Berlin High School in Berlin, Conn. Later, he served as science department head from 1981-1986 and was selected as “Teacher of the Year,” for the 2001-2002 school year. After 37 years of teaching for Berlin High School, Fred officially retired in 2013. However, he continued teaching part-time until January of 2015. For all those who were ever coached or taught by Fred as well as those that had the privilege of working with him – every one would have nothing but the kindest words to describe the special person that he was and the positive way he would light up the day of everyone around him.He loved his family more than anything in the world, making trips to Portland whenever possible. You couldn’t miss hearing him at baseball, football and soccer games cheering on his beloved three sons and critiquing the referees. Also, in his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, often with some of his cousins. But nothing brought more joy to Fred’s life than his granddaughters. He had nothing but pure pride and joy when he held Allie for the first time when she was born in April of 2015. Allie’s early years saw more than a couple afternoon naps with a head on Fred’s shoulder and listening to “Buppa” (as she named him) singing “Silent Night” or “Edelweiss”, to her. Reese joined the family in January of 2019 only to bring more love and happiness to what was the best part of his life. Buppa’s two special girls made him eternally proud and even to his last days, the mere mention of their names still put the biggest smile on his face.Predeceasing Fred are his parents; and a sister, Agatha Butcher. Surviving Fred are his wife of almost 49 years, Donna (Andrews) Russo of Bristol, Conn.; his three sons, Thomas Russo of Bristol, Conn., Mark and his wife Kelli Russo of Southington, Conn., and Christopher Russo of Durham, N.C. ; a sister, Josephine DeSarno of Portland, brothers, Ralph Russo of Portland and Anthony Russo of Falmouth; two granddaughters, Allie (5) and Reese (2); as well as countless adored cousins, nieces, and nephews.In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Fred with a contribution to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

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