Kenneth L. Russo

He was the beloved husband of Cheryl L. (Duke) Russo; devoted father of Maegan A. Russo and her fiancé Anthony Doddio; godfather of Thomas J. Doyle III; brother-in-law of Gordon Duke and the late Gordian and Anthony Guglielmo.

A Proud Italian American and a Charles Street Legend. He was a devoted Catholic attending Sunday Mass every week. Kenny was a generous intelligent knowledgeable man. Loyal to his friends and family, wife Cheryl and daughter Maegan with a protective instinct like no other. He truly believed in second chances. He knew the importance of keeping people he loved close and connected and did this each and every day of his life. It resonated for many years at Christmas time with the annual La-Vigilia gathering of friends and family and his toasting to all who had gone before us while wearing his Burgundy Sports Jacket that he would say still fit him.

Most recently, he was the owner/operator of Ocean State Driving School for 20 years. Kenny had a special way of connecting with young people and giving them the confidence to learn the proper skills and techniques to be a safe driver. He was a graduate of Rhode Island College, an educator at Esek Hopkins Middle School, as well as portraying a background in social work for DCYF.

Kenny was a fierce sports competitor. Beginning in his youth he played little league baseball for Douglas Tire at the Metcalf field. In the early 1970’s he trained at and competed for the Kenpo Karate Institute under the guidance of the well-known George (Chief) Pesare. Earning a brown belt, he competed as a middleweight in both individual and team fighting. He competed in Atlanta, Georgia, Montreal, Canada and all across New England. In 1973, Kenny and his team won the Kansas State Tournament in both Team and Individual Competitions, which was held at Wichita State University. His love for competition continued through the 70’s and 80’s as he continued to compete in sports such as Sunday morning flag football. He was known for being the best flag pulling linebacker on the field.

Being a lifelong Red Sox fan, his love for sports was a daily event. He picked up the New York Post every day to keep up with the current events of the sports world and to check in on the results of every game played. He knew more about sports than the best odds makers in Las Vegas. He could figure the payout of a 3-team multisport AR Birdcage in his head. He enjoyed his daily card games of Hearts and High Low Jack with his friends at the 828 Club on Charles Street, along with his monthly Friday night poker games.

Kenny had many sayings, but the one he would always say was, “I may not be here for a LONG TIME but I’m here for a GOOD TIME.”

Visitation will be held Thursday, 11-12 p.m. with a funeral service at 12 noon in the PONTARELLLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence. Graveside burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Livestreaming of Kenny’s services will be available on the Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home Facebook page on Thursday at 12 noon.