Frank Donald Russo, Sr., 71, of Fairfax, Virginia, a long time teacher within the Automotive Department, Science Technology and Business Division, at Northern Virginia Community College, died of a heart ailment on April 20 at Inova Fairfax Hospital.  He was the husband of 49 years to Leonora Joan Russo.  Mr. Russo was born and raised in East Haven, son of the late Anna and James Russo. He attended Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden, where he became a master automotive technician.  After working in the automotive industry for 30 years, Mr. Russo moved to Northern Virginia, where he attended Northern Virginia Community College, graduating magna cum laude with an AAS degree in applied science with a major in automotive and joined the NVCC Automotive Department as a full time faculty member at the NVCC Alexandria Campus.

Mr. Russo held several Automotive Service Excellence Certifications. He was also a 4th Degree member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 3928 in Guilford, a member of the George Washington Lodge No. 2038, Order Sons of Italy in America, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Glen Cove Community Association.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Deborah Ann Russo of Fairfax, Virginia, James Carlo Russo of Branford, Cynthia Marie and Robert LaViola of Woodbridge, and Frank Donald and Lori Russo of Plantsville. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael La Viola and Haylie La Viola of Woodbridge and Isabella Russo and Francesca Russo of Plantsville, as well as his sisters, Marie Acri of East Haven and Louisa Vastarelli of East Haven.

His funeral procession will leave the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven, on Saturday, April 27, at 9 a.m.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial in Beaverdale Memorial Park.   Friends may call on Friday, April 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc., 6 Park Center Court, Suite 201, Owings Mills, MD 21117.  Sign Frank's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.