Russo Opticians, Inc.
"The Best in Sight!"
ABOUT
Patrick F. Russo operated his business from a side porch at 153 Bristol Street in Springfield, Massachusetts in the evenings and on Saturdays from 1964 to 1968. This enabled him to achieve his dream of one day opening his first store, located in his hometown of West Springfield. Patrick F. Russo Opticians was established at 1421 Westfield Street in 1968.
Later, Patrick opened stores in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Enfield and Norwich, Connecticut. He prided himself on offering only the latest in lens technology and the highest-quality, fashion frames while maintaining his motto, "The Best in Sight".
Patrick F. Russo Opticians was a family operation, with Mr. Russo's wife, Priscilla, working as bookkeeper. His sons, Bob and David and daughter Karen were also part of the company, as well as daughter-in-law Irene. Patrick moved his store to its current location in 1978.
Patrick’s son-in-law, Jerry Drudi, began working for him just about the time they decided to incorporate, thus naming the new company Russo Opticians, Inc. Jerry became manager of the West Springfield store in 1991, when Mr. Russo began his retirement.
STAFF
Jerry Drudi
Jerry Drudi is a registered licensed optician in Massachusetts and Connecticut and has practiced optics since 1976. He has been employed with Russo Opticians, Inc. since 1976.
He and his wife, Karen, co-own the business. He is a member of the Guild of Prescription Opticians, Opticians Association of Massachusetts, Independent Registered Opticians Society (IROS), and the Better Business Bureau, and is past president of IROS. They live in West Springfield and have two children living in the Boston area.
Karen Russo Drudi
Karen Russo Drudi received her Massachusetts optical license in 1978, and Connecticut optical license in 1979. She started working part-time at the family business in high school doing office work.
She graduated from the Opticians School of Framingham, receiving the Good Citizens Award in 1978 and joined the family business full-time. Karen is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts and former secretary of IROS.
Bruce Craig
Bruce Craig joined Russo Opticians, Inc., in 1984, and received his Massachusetts optical license in 1986. He is a member of the Opticians Association of Massachusetts. Bruce lives in West Springfield with his wife, Sarah, and three daughters.