Ron Russo passed away Dec. 16 at 79, and Delaware was better for having him in our midst.
In what those who knew him will recognize as quintessential Ron Russo, he “was concerned and curious about what my obituary would look like, so I decided to write it myself except for various arrangements and the date of my passing.” This article will draw somewhat heavily from that since we won’t have to worry about botching the facts.
“I spent over 42 years in secondary education, mostly in administration (40 years). Eighteen of them were as principal of St. Mark’s and 14 as the founding president of The Charter School of Wilmington. It’s worth noting that, growing up, I was the only member of my family who wasn’t a hairdresser!” he wrote.
It’s also worth noting that Ron was at Saint Mark’s from the day it opened, serving as assistant principal on the first day. Before joining the staff at St. Mark’s, Russo was a physics and math teacher and dean of students at St. Elizabeth High School.
Ron Russo: A pioneer in Delaware’s education reform efforts
“Ron was a key pioneer in Delaware’s education reform efforts, and for 25 years, he remained deeply committed to the charter school movement, said Newark Charter School Head of School and Founder Greg Meece, who was also a founding administrator with Ron of the Charter School of Wilmington. “His trailblazing efforts not only paved the way for charter schools but also significantly advanced all educational initiatives promoting
autonomy, accountability, and choice.”
Ron said he had no intention of an education career but his good friend, Phil Sereni, got a job at St. Elizabeth High School and submitted his name for the position of physics and math teacher without consulting him. He stayed in Delaware “a little longer” than expected and developed the following theory for public education,“Teaching is a profession, but education is a business, and parents are the primary customers!” (video link).
Ron served on the boards of many organizations (Catholic Board of Education, DAPI, DSSAA, Corpus Christi Parish Council President, Wood Creek Civic Association, Dogwood Hollow Maintenance Corp., Middle States Assoc. of Schools and Colleges, Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens, Town of Elsmere Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission, etc.).
“I also ran for the state senate and represented my school twice in small claims court (“won both!,” he noted).
Ron Russo’s Parting Advice to all of us
Ron said: “I had a great run and learned that friends are better than possessions and that your most precious possession is time. It’s limited, so don’t waste yours or anyone else’s. You only get one shot at life, so don’t hold back. Keep a good, positive attitude. You can’t control everything that happens to you, but you have a lot to say about how you respond. In the near future, get together with some friends and family and share a meal or some refreshments. Have fun and be good to each other. Make a toast to me. I’ll be watching, presumably from above! Death is something that is natural and will be experienced by everyone. If you are reading this, let me just say, “I beat ya!”
“Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time, said Delaware Charter Schools Network Executive Director Kendall Massett. “The world is a quieter and less bright place without Ron, but we are grateful for his life well-lived and the profound difference he made in our community.”
As for visitation, funeral, and burial, Ron wrote that while he didn’t make the arrangements, he “will be in attendance at all of them.” Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at St. John The Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road in Wilmington” from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm. Burial will be private.
Ron “looks forward to seeing you one last time!” He intends “to send thank you notes to all who attend any of these services, [but if he doesn’t] get around to it, I’m sure you’ll understand.”
Peter Osborne has more than 15 years of experience as an award-winning business reporter and editor, leading two papers (the Delaware Business Times and Dallas Business Journal) to recognition as the nation’s most improved business publications. Osborne also helped launch The News Journal’s now-defunct Business Monday section and worked in communications and business development for MBNA America and Bank of America.
Ron Russo passed away Dec. 16 at 79, and Delaware was better for having him in our midst.
