Francis Russo
Francis X Russo, age 95 of Kihei, Maui HI, retired Professor of Philosophy, Human Services, and Education at the University of Rhode Island and author of books, articles, and reviews in these respective fields died May 21st, 2026 in his home. He was the husband of Doris Wells Russo and the father of Peter Wells Russo, Francis X. Russo and the late Gregory F. Russo.
Mr. Russo received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Brown University and his Doctor of Philosophy from Boston University. He also completed postdoctoral studies at Brandeis University. Before joining the faculty at the University of Rhode Island in 1966, he was Chairman of the History Department at Central High School in Providence Rhode Island and held Assistant Professorships at Oakland University in Michigan and Clark University in Massachusetts. During his thirty years at the University of Rhode Island, he was Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for seven years and Professor of Education and Human Services.
Mr. Russo held Visiting Professorships at Trinity College in Ireland, and at Kingston Polytechnic, Kingston-on-Thames in England. He was awarded an NDEA grant for advanced study in the area of culturally deprived students. He was a consultant for the American Library Association, a book review editor for the Human Services Education Journal, an editor for the Rhode Island Social Studies Association newsletter, and a consultant for training program development for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
Mr. Russo requests no flowers. Any donations should be given to Rhode Island Hospice and Hospice Maui.