Andrea "Drea" Russo, Pound Ridge Recreation Department superintendent, dies at 41

Andrea (“Drea”) Russo,  Recreation Department superintendent for the Town of Pound Ridge, died on Friday, May 15, in Hartsdale. She was 41.

Her death was announced Monday, May 18, by Pound Ridge Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan.

Visitation was held Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19 and 20, at Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home in Dobbs Ferry. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 10 Lawton Ave., Hartsdale.

She was born on May 12, 1985, in Bronxville, to Ruth Cavalluzzi and the late Carlos Gaviria. She grew up in Ardsley and North White Plains and graduated from Valhalla High School. She earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Springfield College.

Among her previous positions, she was a physical education teacher and multi-sport coach at The Ursuline School, and for five summers she served as director of Camp Morty, a sleep-away camp for underserved children in Westchester County.

“Since joining the Town in March 2023, Drea quickly became an important part of our community, bringing energy, creativity, and heart to expanding recreation programs for residents of all ages,” Mr. Hansan said Monday.

“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.”

Mr. Hansan said that Ms. Russo “faced a serious medical crisis” earlier this year while pregnant with her first child. “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,” Mr. Hansan said. 

Daniella Francesca Russo was born Feb. 6, 2026. Her mother died 51 days later.

“On behalf of the Town, and personally, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Drea’s husband, Robert (“Bobby”) Russo, their daughter Daniella, and their entire family. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time. Drea will be deeply missed,” the supervisor added.

The supervisor also said that the Town pool and day camp will operate on their normal opening schedules.

In addition to her husband, whom she married in 2022, she is survived by her mother, Ruth Cavalluzzi; her brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Nikki Cavalluzzi; and other family members. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave., Dobbs Ferry. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 10 Lawton Ave., Hartsdale.