I was a friend of Russ from our days at Texas Christian University.   I found him to be a gentle person and a good friend.  I will miss him..

Professor Fricano was my professor during my time in undergrad and grad school at MSU-Mankato. He was the most passionate professor I had at MSU, and every day I use the skills he taught me to support my communities. He ensured that you understood the content and answered any questions. During my graduation he put my stole around my neck. You will be missed, Professor Fricano. Rest in Piece.

I don’t think I truly knew how much he meant to me until now. I graduated from the Alabama A&M University where I received a Master’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning with a focus on Environmental Planning. Dr. Fricano was there from the start. Lord, don’t let me miss a class. He was on me like white on rice! But those few instances meant the world to me because I knew he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at that time. He cared! He helped me with my terminal research. 2013 is the year he left AAMU.  He told me that when he left, I was leaving. He defended that research when others tried to break it down to nothing. I graduated in 2013 but I still stayed in contact with him. He was the guy to know…at least the guy I wanted to know. So knowledgeable!!! He was the one that taught us, not just the principles of planning, but also the applications of planning. Doc, I know I’m late. I only found out about this loss today and I’m heartbroken that you’re no longer among us. You left a mark and I’ll never forget you. I send the deepest and most sincerest condolences to your family, friends and loved ones. I pray for peace and understanding. I send my love and thanks for being who you were. Rest well Doc ♥️

I met Russell soon after he moved into my neighborhood in Mankato.
He arrived with a car that had Alabama plates.  I had lived there
earlier in my career as well, so I asked him about that.  He told me
that, yes, he had moved here from Alabama, but he was originally
from Western New York.  From there, we worked out that we had
grown up about a mile from one another - he on Getzville Rd., and
me on Chateau Terr.  He was the same age as my sister, but he,  being
a Canisius boy, didn't go to school with her.  We talked often in the
following years, and I knew he was returning home to spend his last
days with family.  Russell was a good man.  I miss him.

It is with great sadness that I've learned of Dr. Fricano's passing.  He was a dear colleague of mine at Minnesota State University Mankato on the Environmental Committee, and we worked on a number of projects together.  I admired greatly his cheerful demeanor and his dedication to his work.  My heartfelt sympathies to his family.  I shall miss him greatly.  -- Louis Schwartzkopf, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Minnesota State University Mankato.

My Cousin Russ was my number one fan when it came to hockey — which later grew into all that I did. I will miss you dearly Cousin Russ. People as kind as you are not as easy to find these days and I am beyond blessed to have gotten the time I did with you. Fly high, until we meet again. 
Much love, 
Cousin Mary

Russell was a regular customer at our bagel shop, Tandem Bagels, in Mankato, MN. He was always kind, friendly and happy to chat. His favorite was a bike lox sandwich, he made sure to let us know how good it was every, single time. Condolences to his family. We will miss him dearly. I’m certain you will too! 
With a heavy heart, 
The Tandem Bagels Crew

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Dr. Russell Fricano. I had the pleasure of working with Russell at Minnesota State University, Mankato for the past 9 years. Russell was one of the kindest, most professional individuals that I have worked with. He always approached things with a gentle smile. He will be missed by many.

Sincerely,
Becky Kunst

Good afternoon - - - I was one of those who gave Russ a ride when he came to need assistance.  He and I worked in the Department of Government together.  Russell truly was a gentle spirit and I will miss him dearly.  I cannot tell you what his friendship meant to me.  His wisdom and guidance were offered more than once and I found him to always be my friend in any room.  I loved him dearly and miss him already, knowing I won't run into him anymore in the hallways at work.  Please know I'm grateful for the time I had with him.  Rest well, my dear friend, Russ.

Russell always made sure to start the day with a knock on the door and a greeting.  There was a "Good morning, Beth, how are you doing today?"  Then he'd get right down to talking business before we talked about 'life' things.  He always looked happy when he told me he went to an MSU hockey game, but happiest when he told me he was planning to go back to NY to visit his family, or was just back from a visit.  He is one of the most dedicated faculty members I've ever met, devoted to the profession and to his students above and beyond expectations (would you expect anything else from Russell?)

You have my deepest condolences. I didn't know Dr. Fricano personally, but I would often see him walking about campus. He had a kind way about him. May he rest in peace.

I always enjoyed my conversations with Russ. He will be missed walking the halls at MSU.

CBH

I know Russell from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  We met back in 2018.  Please know that many of us here will miss him deeply.  He was a good friend and I know he was a dedicated professor who impacted the lives of countless students over the years.   After I had known Russell for a while (and knew that he was a great professor and colleague) we had a holiday function at a local bowling alley.   I did not know of Russell's bowling skills, as he pretty much wiped the floor with us!  My condolences, I will miss Russell a great deal but remember him fondly.

Russell was a faculty colleague of mine at Minnesota State University. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Several of my undergraduate students went on to pursue a master's in planning with him as their graduate advisor. 

He will indeed be missed.

Don Friend
Mankato, Minnesota

I attended Sacred Heart Academy with Russ' sister Angela. Russ was a wonderful older brother and a role model to me. I was in awe of his intellect and enjoyed his good nature. I have many fond memories of time spent in the Fricano home with Russ and the family. They were all very kind and wonderful people who helped  me  through adolescence. His faith was strong and I can believe he is happy to be reunited with his family in heaven.
    Thanks Russ,  I will miss you.

Knowing Russ for many years, there has never been a better Gentleman. Many fond memories of time spent together and with friends. He loved to laugh and reminisce about times past.  Always prayers for Russ and his family in Heaven.

My family and I are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with dear cousin Russ. Since we lived in WI and he in Minnesota, we were "neighbors." This was truly a gift. He always made a special effort to visit us when we went to Minnesota for our children's hockey games. In 2020, Russ came to celebrate our daughter Mary's high school graduation in Madison. We were supposed to visit him in August in Mankato before he moved back to Buffalo. Unfortunately, we had to cancel b/c I caught COVID. We are sad that we didn't get to see Russ one last time. We will cherish our memories of Russ, a truly great man and gentle soul. We will miss you!

Love, Meg, Pat, Sean, Mary & Aidan

Russ and my daughter, Mary, after one of her games in Blaine, Minnesota. Cherished memories of those visits, watching the games, and going out to eat. Wonderful times, truly a gift from above. We love you and will miss you, cousin Russ!

All our love, Meg, Pat, Sean, Mary & Aidan

OBITUARY

Russell J. Fricano, PhD

October 10, 1955 – November 7, 2024

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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