D

Saturday, March 21, 2020

My condolences, I only knew Russell for 2 years in Korea, but he was a warm and intelligent person who went out of his way to offer me career help when there was no need at all for him to do it...I think he just noticed I didn't have a way forward at the end of the first year I knew him, and he was kind enough to offer help. A great dry sense of humor and fun to have a beer with. God bless, Russell.

A

Anthony (Tony) S. D'Ath posted a condolence

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Shocked to have suddenly heard this news somewhat belatedly. I first met Russell in 1998 in South Korea at my first university job. He was the first colleague I was really able to communicate with after being the only foreigner at all Korean institutes for two years prior. I will always remember him as being that first colleague in what were back then known by some as the wild west days of teaching in South Korea. Although we went in different directions and only occasionally made contact in later years, I will remain deeply appreciative of having known Russell at that time and regard it as a privilege to have worked with such a professional.

T

Thomas Amundrud posted a condolence

Friday, March 29, 2019

I was fortunate enough to have known Russ off and on in the course of our careers in university English teaching in Kyoto, first as full-time colleagues in the same faculty and then in separate positions at a different school, where we still saw each other fairly regularly. One of my favorite memories of Russ was of climbing Mount Kifune in the north of Kyoto City with the woman who was to become my wife, and running in Russ and his girlfriend - later to become his wife - on the way down. Russ was always a great guy to talk with in the course of the day, and always managed to see the bright side in things, no matter how absurd they may have seemed. His smile and stories will be missed. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

A

Arthur Brigham posted a condolence

Friday, March 8, 2019

I knew Russell from when I first came to Japan in late 1999. We were both single then and both ended with up with similar lives and job trajectories. We worked together as teachers at the same university and stayed in contact, though we were busy supporting and raising our families. I had some queries last year about grading policies at a university we both taught at, where he had been for some time, and he made every effort to inform me about what to do. At that time, he told me that he had had cancer, and his spleen had been taken out. He told me that it had been very difficult but he seemed like he had recovered so I didn't think that his life was in jeopardy. When I found out that he had died, it was very shocking and entirely unexpected. He had never complained about his life in his communications with me, was always thinking what was best for about his wife and daughter and just did what he could do, doing his duty, not even missing work, up to the end. Russell was a very fine, unselfish, and caring person. He was a good father, husband, and provider for his family. His character was that of a giver, both in his personal life and in his profession as a teacher. He will be truly very missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace, as he lived his life.

L

Lucille Muto lit a candle

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Deepest sympathies to you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I love you.

J

Jeannie Murphy posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

I am so deeply sorry for your pain and sorrow. I can only pray that peace will be restored to yours hearts. Russell and all of you are in my prayers. Jeannie

u

The family of Russell Thomas Garofalo uploaded a photo

Monday, March 4, 2019

Russell Thomas Garofalo

1970 - 2019

Visiting Hours

Funeral Mass

Interment

Main Menu

Learn More About…

Funerals

Cremation

Preplanning