Frankie James Russo

Frankie James Russo, born September 28,1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on December 23, 2025 in West Valley City, Utah.

Frankie was the beloved son of David and Susan Russo. Frankie was part of what was once a large loud Italian family, where he was so loved. He identified deeply with his Italian American heritage and Roman Catholic faith. We are comforted in the knowledge that he is reunited with our grandmother and other family who proceeded him in his journey.

Frankie attended St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Lourdes elementary schools, later continuing his education at Judge Memorial Catholic High School and Granite High School.

Frankie was a devoted father to his three children, Alida (Ian), Francesca (Cruz), and Frankie III (his baby boy), who were the pride and joy of his life. He was also a loving grandfather to Noah, Christian, David, Leticia and Ian. Frankie loved nothing more than to spoil all children in the family, but especially his grandkids. He was a big kid at heart. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his loved ones and pets, family get-togethers, exploring new places, talking on the phone and providing for his family. The phrase “candy run”is synonymous with Frankie. One was never too young or too old for a candy run. When the Popcorn Cottage closed by his home in Valley Fair Mall, he was not deterred. He would drive to the outskirts of Layton to get popcorn for him and his sister. Always walking in to see Michelle with the biggest popcorn box to surprise her.

For many years, Frankie worked as a professional truck driver for R & L Carriers, where he earned numerous awards for his dedication and exemplary performance. Among his proudest achievements was receiving the Million Mile Truck Driver Award for driving over one million miles accident free. This was a true testament to his skill, responsibility, and work ethic.

Frankie loved to help people. He enjoyed volunteering, being part of the Knights of Columbus, a Lifetime member of the Ben G Russo VFW Post Auxiliary and a member of the Italian American Civic League. He was always looking for ways to help people in the family and in the community. He enjoyed taking the St. Martin de Porres Youth Group on the annual Lava Hot Springs camping trip. He was always willing to fix a tire, give a ride, or help someone less fortunate. Frankie was a pool shark and loved to play pinball. Frankie believed all your troubles could be cured with an order of ham fried rice and egg drop soup. The flu, car accident, surgery, the condition really did not matter, there he was with Chinese takeout. Frankie had a heart of gold. He often began and ended his calls with, “I wanted you to know, I LOVE YOU!”

Frankie is survived by his mother, Susan (Nick), his fiercely protective sister, Michelle, who shared an especially unbreakable bond with him, as well as many cousins who were dear to his heart, including Cory, lovingly known as his “Lupi Lou,” and Douglas “Bubba,” his children, grandchildren, and many friends.

Above all else, Frankie will be remembered as the family comedian and prankster who made life into an adventure for everyone he loved. He had a gift for making people, even strangers, laugh, even during the most difficult moments. He was a force of nature. ‘Big F’ truly lived life to its fullest!

Frankie’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on through the many lives he touched along the road and at home.

After a lifetime of miles and memories, Frankie has taken his final drive home to rest in peace.

Frankie was an organ donor and selflessly gave of himself as his last gift of kindness

A funeral mass in Frankie’s honor will be celebrated on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 4914 S 2200 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129, with a wake to follow, also at the church. A graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave T Street Salt Lake City, UT 84103 at 1:30 pm.