Frances Russillo

Frances Julia Trella Russillo, matriarch of the Adolph Russillo family of Pelham, NY, passed from this Earthly realm Saturday, November 25, 2017. The widow of the late Adolph V. Russillo, Frances was 101 years old at the time of her passing.
Born in Richmondale, Pennsylvania September 12, 1916, Frances was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Seaman Trella. Frances was predeceased by her three brothers, Michael, John and Joseph and her six sisters, Anna, Margaret Marianna, Veronica, Rose and Barbara and numerous nieces and nephews.

In her late teens, Frances moved to New York City to reside with her sister Veronica to seek employment and attend night school. She ultimately moved to New Rochelle, NY where she was employed by the Beckwith family on Davenport Neck. It was during the time of her employment that Frances met Adolph and, following a four-year courtship, they married on January 2, 1941.

Known for her resourcefulness, sense of style and ability to stretch a dollar as far as possible, Frances, together with her husband, built and maintained a home in Pelham and were devoted parishioners of St. Catharine's Church. They retired to Newton Lake, PA in 1993. Frances enjoyed travel and swimming and had an affinity for golf, despite her length of years and the loss of her golf partner, "Ace". Frances also liked to "dabble" in the stock market. Her instincts were keen, and her children considered her "a woman before her time."

Frances is survived by her eight children; Jacqueline (Daniel) Shea, Teresa (George, dec.) Gallo, Elizabeth (Anthony) Nardozzi, Noel (Terrence) Bopp, A. Peter (Barbara) Russillo, Robert (Brenda) Russillo, Frances (Robert) Currie and Patricia (Michael) Mandato, 29 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Frances' children recall the holidays with affection as all was made ready from the home to the kitchen to the table with grace and beauty, love and prayer. The Eastern-European traditions with which Frances was raised were carefully passed down to her children and grandchildren and she enjoyed sharing in the preparation of the Easter bread and the Christmas kolachi.
With her passing, Frances Julia Trella Russillo left a legacy of faith, family and love. Her work is done. May she rest in peace.

A celebration of Frances's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham NY on Thursday, November 30th, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Catherine's Church 25 Second Ave in Pelham on Friday, December 1st at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery located at Route 106 and Route 247, Greenfield Township, PA on Saturday, December 2nd at 11:30 am.