James W. Russo

James W. Russo, 71, of Whitinsville, died on March 3, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Terri (Frieswyk) Russo; his son, Joseph Russo and Joseph’s girlfriend Shawna O’Dowd of Linwood; his daughters, Elizabeth Russo and her fiancé Terrell Haynes of Whitinsville, and Aimee Russo and her husband Sean Hansen of Whitinsville; and two grandsons, James and Benjamin Hansen. He also leaves his twin brother, John Russo and his wife Kristina of Shrewsbury, his sister Jennifer Russo and her husband Michael Sereti of Boylston, and several nieces and nephews.

Born on September 4, 1954, in Worcester, Jim was the son of Joseph “Billy” and Dolores “Dolly” (Capuano) Russo. He grew up in Shrewsbury and showed musical talent from an early age. After high school, he and his brother attended Berklee College of Music, where Jim studied Music Education, Composition, and Arranging. A respected professional musician, he played tenor saxophone with his brother in the Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a music teacher in the Northbridge Public Schools, where he taught band, instrumental music, general music, and chorus at every grade level, and offered private saxophone and flute lessons until his retirement in 2012.

Family was the heart of Jim’s world. He found his greatest happiness in the company of his wife, children, and grandchildren, whether vacationing on Cape Cod, tending the garden, or fishing at the Cape Cod Canal, the Blackstone River, or any promising spot. His warmth, talent, and devotion left a lasting impression on all who knew him.