Richard J. Russnow

Greece - 1/21/21- Covid took another Saint into the Lord's loving arms. A gentle man of great faith and true grace, Richard will forever be remembered for his unending love of God's creatures great and small as well as his wonderful family and friends.


Born in Thornwood, NY in Westchester County, Richard graduated from Westlake HS and moved to Rochester to major in Saxophone Performance at Nazareth College. After graduating from Nazareth, Richard enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed at Hanscom AFB outside of Boston, MA, Richard married the love of his life, Pamela Fitzmorris. Their lives took them to Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY. While at Griffiss, Richard earned Master's degrees in Human Resources Management and Information Technology Management at SUNY Binghamton. Upon being discharged from the Air Force, Richard worked for SUNY Brockport and RIT in Administration. From there, he was recruited into Information Associates, now Ellucian, a position that he loved and with whom he was still employed.


Richard had a great love of music and theatre as evidenced by his annual subscriptions to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Nazareth College Arts Center. But most of all, Richard loved spending time with family and friends drinking fine wine, eating great food and laughing uncontrollably.


Richard is predeceased by his parents, Margaret and S. Stanley Russnow, siblings, Nancy (Sam) Saccoia, and Arthur (Ann) Russnow. He is survived by his adoring wife, Pamela Fitzmorris, loving Mother in law, Betty Fitzmorris, wonderful sisters in law Deborah Fitzmorris, Patricia (Frederick) White and Cindy (Michael J Ringrose) Fitzmorris. Richard was blessed with many very dear nieces and nephews: Mark (Heather) Ciliberti, Matthew (Laura) Russnow, Dierdre (Ted) Rubsamen, Aurora (Robert) Conti, Maria (Christopher) Syme, Kiel (Izzy) White, Kiralyn (Donovan) Nagel, Evan White and Ian Fitzmorris. In addition to his cherished family, Richard is survived by many incredible friends including the Barker/Edmisters, Guests and Hrycelaks as well as his Trinity family members.


Because the church is closed due to Covid, Richard's Memorial service will be held in the spring at Trinity Episcopal Church in Greece, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for you considering donations to Trinity Episcopal Church, 3450 Ridge Rd West Rochester, NY 14626 or Rescued Treasures 3177 Latta Rd Rochester, NY 14612. The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers at Unity Hospital for the outstanding and loving care that they gave both Richard and Pam during this very difficult and painful time.