Chairman of the Board

Charlie Russo

Smiling man with white hair, beard, wearing a striped shirt and dark vest, in front of a yellow wall with signs.

Charlie Russo is the senior partner of the firm of Russo, Karl, Widmaier & Cordano, PLLC. Charlie is a graduate of the University of Vermont, received a Master’s Degree from C.W. Post in 1974 and his Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Law School in 1978. Following law school, Charlie spent several years as an assistant district attorney prosecuting major felonies in Suffolk County and he continues to be active in the practice of criminal law.

Charlie has embraced a lifelong dedication to young people, especially those facing the crisis of addiction. For the past 45 years he has served as both Chairman of the Board of Directors and legal counsel to Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson which provides family services, counseling and residential facilities for young men, the homeless, and families in need. His roots in this area of service stem from his days at Melville House, a residential home for young men where he lived for six years. He credits that experience, combined with his employment as a social worker at the Nassau County Children’s Shelter, as being a significant influence in shaping his sensitivity and commitment to the homeless and youth in crisis.

For the past 40 years Charlie has been the founder, fundraiser, and “man in the red suit” for a project known as Christmas Magic, which seeks to enhance the holiday spirit for families in crisis and for children within those families who seek only to experience the magic of Christmas. During the Fall and early Winter each year, Charlie works incessantly, to raise the funds necessary to provide Christmas to thousands of underprivileged kids and their families living in various shelters and programs throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. He has touched the lives of so many children by etching in their memory, a positive and loving picture of Christmas despite the problems that plague them and their families during the holidays. Last year Christmas Magic reached over 13,000 deserving children.

Charlie is proud to serve as Board Chair for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and enjoys the synergy between the Coalition, Hope House, and Christmas Magic which has been created and has helped to enhance the lives of so many.

Through his charitable activities, Charlie has developed an area of legal expertise unique to Long Island. He has vast experience in New York State Not-For-Profit Corporate Law- guiding corporations through the legal and bureaucratic maze of complicated financing, which is necessary for providing millions of dollars in revenue to create housing for the disabled and homeless.

As a result of his efforts, he has been recognized by numerous community service agencies and most recently was presented with the prestigious New York State Bar Association Root/Stimson Award for his community service.

My initial involvement with the law focused on our juvenile justice system. I was living in a residential boys home and witnessing young men being sent to institutions and wanted to get involved in alternative solutions. It was then that I applied to law school and soon thereafter became involved with Hope House where I continue this type of representation.

The young men that I have had the privilege to represent and the ability to provide alternatives to incarceration which ultimately leads to their recovery and journey to becoming productive members of Society.

Three men standing outdoors at a festival or event, with two dressed in pirate costumes and one in casual clothing, smiling at the camera.
A group of ten people sitting at a long restaurant table enjoying a meal, with plates of food, drinks, and utensils arranged in front of them.
Seven men standing on a wooden deck outdoors, with green trees in the background. They are dressed casually, some wearing sunglasses, and are posing for a group photo.
A young man in a blue graduation gown and cap standing next to an older man in a suit, both smiling and posing for a picture at a graduation ceremony.
Three men in uniform and civilian clothing standing in front of a fire truck, with American flags in the background.
Group of five men, one with a dog, standing outdoors near a marina with boats and industrial buildings in the background. Some are smiling and wearing casual sportswear. There is a sign that mentions a Hope House Ministries event.