Dennis C. Russo, Ph.D., ABPP, 72, Burlington, NC Feb 9, 2023

Dennis Russo was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Feb 11, 1950 to Charles and Helen Russo. Both Charles and Helen were first-generation Americans immigrating from Italy and Czechoslovakia. Dennis was the oldest child, brother to Allan and Pamela, and the first member of the family who was born and raised in the United States.

Dennis had a genuine love for people and a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, which served him well in both his professional and personal endeavors. Professionally, Dennis was a pioneer in Pediatric Psychology and an accomplished researcher and clinician, Board Certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He held a number of academic and professional appointments at University of California, Santa Barbara, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, the May Institute, and East Carolina University / Brody School of Medicine. He wrote over 70 articles, books, and chapters on behavioral medicine, the psychology of integrated care, chronic illnesses and disabilities, health and pediatric psychology, traumatic brain injury, and autism. He was widely known and respected both nationally and internationally and was frequently asked to educate others about his work through lectures, research grants, publications, and training materials. He was often the Keynote Speaker at major conferences and also served as the President of several professional organizations.

Dennis was a devoted husband to Deborah and father to Nicholas and Amelia. While his kids were young, he coached little league teams and cheered them on all the way through college athletics. He enjoyed walking, sharing apples and relaxing with his dogs: Smokey, Bear, Buddy, Maxie, Ollie and Sasha. He was also extremely handy, fixing almost everything himself and doing all the yard work (in snowy and leafy New England!). In his off time, Dennis loved to travel, and took many cruises with his kids and extended family. His family could always count on him for a detailed itinerary, copious photographs throughout the trip, and a compiled photo album shortly after the trip ended.

Dennis was known affectionately as “the Captain” - he had a love for the sea, always had a boat, and he took annual sailing trips to the British Virgin Islands with his best friends. Both on and off the boat, Dennis had a love for Jimmy Buffet. He would sing loudly in the car with his family and start every day of his voyages in the British Virgin Islands with some of his favorites including “A Pirate Looks at 40,” “Pencil Thin Mustache,” “Boat Drinks,” and “Come Monday,” amongst others.

Dennis battled dementia for several years, but maintained his larger-than-life presence until the very end. In his last week of life, he was surrounded by his loving family and caregivers, and he passed away peacefully. He is survived and dearly missed by his wife Deborah, son Nicholas (and wife Amy), daughter Amelia (and husband Eric), grandson Calvin, brother Allan, sister Pamela/Piar, and countless friends and colleagues that were touched by his charisma and work over the years. Dennis’ family is planning a celebration of life for him.

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