Kristofer Russo

As per CDC and NY State guidelines and for your safety and the safety of others, no more than ten (10) people are to be in the building at a time. Please adhere to these regulations--Thank you.

Kristofer M. Russo

May 22, 1974 - March 29, 2020

Kris succumbed to the Coronavirus. Kris joined the Russo family when he was just 10 days old. He became the adopted son of Teri Russo and the younger brother to Ronnie Russo. The family grew to include Damian, Alan and Krissi. Kris attended the Down Syndrome Learning Center, then I.S. 7 and graduated from The Hungerford School.

Kris was a member of Lifestyles for the Disabled and worked in the kitchen with Chef Renato. What he didn't learn at home in cooking, he learned there.

Kris was active in the Boy Scouts earning many badges including the Parvuli Dei and The Arrow of Light. He was active in Special Olympics preferring individual sports like cross-country skiing, golf,bowling and swimming and medaled in all of them. Kris was a member of Toastmasters International; he was a volunteer with the MS Group of Staten Island, assisting in fund raisers and The Therapeutic Swim program. He was known for his big smile and compassion to others.

His goal in life was to be a chef. He worked with Kim at Noto's and assisted her in the classes at Independent Living. He planned menues, prepped and cooked alongside of his mother.

When Kris accepted you as a friend, it was for life and he watched out for you and made sure you were OK and had whatever you needed.

Kris is preceeded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Dorothy Russo and by his brother, Damian. He is survived by his mother, Teri, his brothers, Ronnie and Alan, sister, Kristine Betancourt (Raul Betancourt), nephews, Darian and Raul, niece, Lili Betancourt.

Arrangements are being handled by Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home. Entombment will be at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens.

A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Down Syndrome Foundation Inc./Teri's House would be appreciated.