Pound Ridge is mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of its beloved superintendent of recreation, Andrea “Drea” Russo.
The new mother was 41.
Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan made the sad announcement on May 17, noting that since joining the town in March 2023, Russo had become “an important part of our community, bringing energy, creativity, and heart to expanding recreation programs for residents of all ages.”
“Many of you knew her through the programs she built and the genuine care she showed to every family she served. She earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across Westchester County and leaves behind a lasting impact on our town,” he said, telling Halston Media later that Russo, knowing she would be out on maternity leave, thoughtfully set up all the recreation department’s summer programs ahead of time.
According to Hansan, earlier this year, at 36 weeks pregnant, she had “faced a serious medical crisis.”
“In the months that followed, she focused on recovery while embracing her most meaningful role: being a mother to her newborn daughter, Daniella. Even through these challenges, she remained hopeful and determined to return to the work and community she loved,” he said.
Hansan extended the town’s heartfelt condolences to Russo’s husband, Robert “Bobby,” and her entire family.
“Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time. Drea will be deeply missed,” he said.
The town’s offices will be closed all day on Thursday, May 21, in Russo’s honor.
Visitation was Tuesday, May 19, and is today, Wednesday, May 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave., Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 10 Lawton Ave., Hartsdale.
A GoFundMe had already been set up to assist the Russos with expenses.
Administrator Christine Teahan thanked those who had stepped up “in a massive, life-changing way” to help the family when Daniella was born in February.
“Now, you’re needed even more,” she said.
According to the original GoFundMe post, Russo was 36 weeks pregnant when she experienced an aortic rupture.
She had to have an emergency C-section followed immediately by open-heart surgery.
Russo had faced a long road to recovery, it had said, and her family was “facing an incredibly challenging time as they adjust to life with their new baby while supporting Andrea’s healing journey.”
The money raised was intended to help the Russos cover medical bills, monthly expenses, and daily needs.
According to Teahan, the campaign was relaunched after Russo’s death with the aim of supporting Daniella’s future.
“Think childcare, school, clothing, food – whatever Bobby will need to help him focus more on loving and supporting Daniella and less on stressing about money,” she wrote.
“Andrea has spent her entire life beating the odds and taking care of others. She is the ultimate caregiver, and now she needs us to take care of her. Drea and Bobby spent years trying to get pregnant, so we need her to get healthy and strong so she can finally get to be the mom she has always wanted to be to her beautiful and miraculous daughter. Please consider helping this wonderful family as they navigate this difficult time. Your kindness and support will mean the world to them,” the original campaign said.
So far $171,348 of its $190,000 goal has been raised.
To donate: Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-andreas-healing-new-baby
“I am here in solidarity with all the broken-hearted warriors on Drea’s team. If you love Andrea, I love you,” Teahan said in the updated campaign post.
Here is the obituary for Andrea Maria Russo, who was born on May 12, 1985, and who passed away on May 15, 2026.
Andrea Maria Russo, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to more people than could ever be counted, passed away on May 15, 2026, in Hartsdale, N.Y., at the age of 41. Andrea had a rare and extraordinary gift: the ability to make each person feel as though they were the one she loved the most in the world. She was a woman of extraordinary strength, dedication, and love who dedicated her life to serving others.
Andrea was born on May 12, 1985, at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., to Ruth Cavalluzzi and the late Carlos Gaviria. She grew up in Ardsley and North White Plains, N.Y., surrounded by her mother, her grandmother, and a wide and loving extended family who shaped her earliest understanding of what it means to show up for one another. She graduated from Valhalla High School with the Class of 2003.
She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2007 and a master’s degree in 2009, both from Springfield College, two feats she accomplished through sheer will and determination.
Andrea had too many jobs to list, and she threw her whole heart into every one of them. She was a physical education teacher and multi-sport coach at The Ursuline School, where she grew into several leadership roles and built lasting bonds with students, families, and colleagues that endured long after the final bell rang.
For five summers, she served as director of Camp Morty, a sleep-away camp for underserved children in Westchester County. She poured herself into that work completely, and the relationships she formed with campers and staff were lifelong.
Most recently, Andrea served as superintendent of recreation for the Town of Pound Ridge, a role she loved deeply, and one that fit her perfectly. She was, above all else, a builder of community wherever she went.
Andrea is survived by her husband, Robert “Bobby” Russo, whom she married on May 13, 2022 – her lobster, as those close to her would say, and who had been by her side since they met in 2005. In 2023, Andrea and Bobby welcomed Sasha into their home. Their daughter, Daniella Francesca Russo, joined their family on Feb. 6, 2026. Andrea poured the fullness of her love into Daniella for the 51 days between her hospitalization and her passing.
She is also survived by her mother, Ruth Cavalluzzi; her brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Nikki Cavalluzzi; her beloved nephew and nieces, Maurice, Maya, and Naomi; her beloved cousins, Nicole, Natasha, Marissa, Marcella, Daniel, David, Victor, Mia, Christian, Tiffany, and Jennifer; and friends she held as chosen family. She is survived as well by her mother- and father-in-law, Robert and Linda Russo; her brother- and sister-in-law, Steven and Olga Russo; her beloved niece and nephew, Angelina and Matthew; her sister- and brother-in-law, Melissa and Rich Franco; and beloved nephews Michael and Nicholas.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carlos Gaviria, and by her Ita – her Abuela, Teresa Amaya Isaza, whose love and spirit were woven into everything Andrea became.
Andrea also leaves behind a community of friends so close, so constant, and so devoted that the word “friend” barely covers it. She was many people’s best friend. She was “Tia” to children who were not hers by blood and knew her as family by every other measure. Andrea spent her life building this village that will carry Daniella forward.
Andrea was a Tigger. She chose joy, not because life was always easy, but because she had decided, with full intention, that a positive attitude was worth cultivating. She loved to laugh, and she made everyone around her laugh.
What people will miss most is her undying love, and her singular ability to make the person in front of her feel completely seen, completely known, and completely loved. She gave that to everyone. She gave it without measure.
Andrea was a proud Catholic. Just weeks before her passing (on Easter Sunday) she received her Confirmation, a milestone she embraced with deep meaning and quiet courage. It was a fitting final testament to a woman who met life, in all its fullness, with faith.
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