Richard Wayne "Rick" Russo

Rick was born on February 6, 1958 in Pine Bush, New York to Nicholas Frank and Barbara Beekman Russo. After moving to Thomasville, North Carolina, Rick met the love of his life, Terri Phillips. His servant heart and dedication to helping others was evident in his everyday life. Rick served his community in every aspect and was the epitome of a true public servant. He protected the city of High Point as a police officer, was a volunteer fireman in New York, and was former Volunteer Chief of the Thomasville Rescue Squad for over ten years.

Rick was a “handyman extraordinaire” and it seemed as though there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. He worked for many years at Piedmont Crossing in the maintenance department until his health began to decline. Rick was also a member of Carolina Memorial Baptist Church in Thomasville.

Surviving are his wife, Terri Phillips Russo of the home; daughter, Kristin Russo Burrow of Thomasville; sons, Richard Wayne Russo, Jr. and fiancé Brandi Dilks of Thomasville, and Andrew Stephen Russo and his wife Danielle of Colorado Springs, CO; his mother, Barbara Russo of Thomasville; seven grandchildren, Trey Russo, Maddox Russo, Drew Burrow, Cameron Russo, Logan Russo, Parker Russo, and Noelle Russo. Also surviving are two sisters and one brother.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 11 am Wednesday at Carolina Memorial Baptist Church, 422 Liberty Drive, Thomasville, with Chaplain Wendell Bradley and the Reverend Bynum D. Orr officiating. Burial will be private at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm Tuesday at Thomasville Funeral Home, 18 Randolph Street and other times at the home. The family requests all uniformed public servants to serve as honorary pallbearers and to meet at the church by 10:30 am Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262 or to Thomasville Rescue Squad, 202 Pine Street, Thomasville, NC 27360.

Online condolences may be made at www.ThomasvilleFH.com. Thomasville Funeral Home is assisting the family.