Mourning the death of William "Bill" Russo, distinguished police detective, volunteer firefighter, and cherished family man

Senate Resolution No. 2250

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

        MOURNING   the  death  of  William  "Bill"  Russo,
        distinguished    police     detective,     volunteer
        firefighter, and cherished family man

  WHEREAS,  It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those  distinguished  individuals  whose  lives  of  service,
dedication,  and commitment enriched their communities and brought honor
to the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, It is with  profound  sorrow  and  deep  regret  that  this
Legislative  Body records the passing of William "Bill" Russo on January
10, 2026, in Morris, New York, at the age of 73; and

  WHEREAS, William Russo was born on September 1, 1952,  in  Flushing,
New  York,  and  from  an  early  age  demonstrated  the strong sense of
service,  compassion,  and  community  spirit  that  would   guide   him
throughout his life; and

  WHEREAS,  A  proud  graduate  of  Carmel  High  School,  Bill  Russo
cultivated lifelong friendships and a steadfast  commitment  to  helping
others,  qualities  which  became  hallmarks of his character and public
service; and

  WHEREAS, Bill Russo honorably served as a Police Detective with  the
Kent   Police  Department,  carrying  out  his  duties  with  integrity,
professionalism, and distinction until his retirement in 2000; and

  WHEREAS, Even  after  retiring  from  law  enforcement,  Bill  Russo
continued  his  unwavering  dedication to his community as an active and
valued member of the  Lake  Carmel  Fire  Department,  exemplifying  the
highest ideals of volunteerism and civic responsibility; and

  WHEREAS,  Family was the foundation and greatest joy of Bill Russo's
life; he was the beloved father of William Russo and his  wife,  Alicia;
James  Russo  and  his wife, Maria; Marissa Russo and her husband, Alex;
Taylor Russo-Davis and  her  husband,  Jonathan;  Tara  Austin  and  her
husband, Brad; Kevin and his wife, Andrea; and Bonnie Vierra; and

  WHEREAS, Bill Russo took immense pride in his role as grandfather to
William  Davis, Rhett Davis, and Weston Russo, whose lives were enriched
by his love, guidance, and devotion; and

  WHEREAS, He is also survived by his cherished brother, Richard Russo
and his wife, Lee, along with many  extended  family  members,  friends,
colleagues,   and  neighbors  who  were  touched  by  his  kindness  and
generosity; and

  WHEREAS, Bill Russo  embraced  life  with  enthusiasm  and  passion,
finding  enjoyment  in motorcycles, trucking, sports, and above all, the
laughter and companionship of his family,  whose  gatherings  were  made
brighter by his presence; and

  WHEREAS, Bill Russo lived a life defined by compassion, courage, and
selfless  service,  embodying  the  sentiment  expressed  by Ralph Waldo
Emerson: "To know even one life has breathed  easier  because  you  have
lived. This is to have succeeded"; and

  WHEREAS, Through his distinguished law enforcement career, volunteer
service,  and  enduring  devotion  to family and friends, William "Bill"
Russo touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of love, honor,
and commitment that will long endure; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn the death of William "Bill" Russo, recognizing and celebrating his
extraordinary life of service and devotion; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William "Bill" Russo.