Frank Russo Cause Of Death: What Happened To The Ex-Cuyahoga County Auditor?

Sources confirm that Frank Russo, the disgraced former Cuyahoga County auditor, died at the age of 72.

His cause of death was not disclosed, but those close to him said Russo had several medical issues, including diabetes and heart issues. Russo died outside the walls of a federal penitentiary due to his poor health and advanced age.

Roger Synenberg, Frank’s longtime attorney, described him as “a kind and generous soul.” “He has earned the peace he now enjoys.”

Russo began his political career as a member of the Mayfield Heights Council in 1974 when he was 23 years old. He became the county recorder ten years later. He was appointed to the position of county auditor in 1997.

Russo was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison in December 2010 by then-U.S. District Judge Kate O’Malley for his role in the Cuyahoga County corruption scandal. Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, a close friend, was later sentenced to 28 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of federal corruption charges.

In 2019, Russo’s sentence was reduced by nearly eight years because he cooperated with federal officials.