Obituary of Dr. Christine Fiorella Russo

Fiorella Russo – Christine, of Northport on March 30th, 2023. Retired educator with over 65 years in the field of education. Attended Marymount Manhattan College (’53), Fordham University (Master of Science in Education, ’59) & Hofstra University (Doctor of Philosophy in English, Psychology and Literacy ’87). First hired to teach at St. Margaret's School in the Bronx in 1955, she was subsequently recruited by Sacred Heart in New York County the following year. By 1957, she began her tenure with the Board of Education in New York City. Aligned with Harborfields District on Long Island since 1960, Dr. Russo specialized in Literacy and Mathematics. From 1990 to 1998 Dr. Russo was also an adjunct professor in English and Creative Writing at Marymount Manhattan College. Member of the American Psychological Association, the New York Academy of Sciences, the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and, among others, the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) organization. Also a member and former chapter First Vice President of Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Russo received several teaching awards since the early 1990s as well as the 1998 School of Education Alumni Achievement Award from Fordham University. In 2013, Dr. Russo was the recipient of the Pére Gailhac Award for her leadership and her continuous service from Marymount Manhattan College. In 2016, she was appointed a founding member of the President's Advisory Council providing advice in strategic matters at Marymount. In 2018, Marymount recognized Dr. Russo for her high values and strong commitment to education, bestowing upon her the esteemed Mother Butler Gold Cross. Christine touched many lives, not just of her students.  The difference she made in individuals’ lives by caring, engaging, listening, talking and doing will stand the test of time and generations. A lifelong resident of Northport, in her spare time Christine enjoyed traveling the world with her husband of 60 years, V. Donald Russo, Esq (d. 2020). Christine is survived by her brother, Ret. Judge Anthony J. Fiorella, Jr., nephews Douglas and Albert Fiorella, Jr. and grandniece Serafina Fiorella. Visiting Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Ave, Northport, Sunday, 2-5 PM. Funeral Mass Monday, 11 AM, St. Philip Neri Church, Northport, with Rev. Mark Hallinan, S.J. presiding. Interment to follow in St. Philip Neri Cemetery, East Northport.