Russell William Rayno transitioned from this life on July 20, 2025 in Attleboro, MA. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph P. Rayno, 1978, and Doris L. Feather Rayno, 2004. Russ is survived by his husband, Frederick Rayno, his brother, Donald Rayno, (Jacqueline Quirk) of South Hadley, MA, nephew Joe Rayno (Claudia Rayno and children Chloe and Ethan), of Pittsboro NC, and nieces, Margaret Priebe (Christopher Priebe and children Lydia and Charles) of Norwood, MA and Anna Rayno-Quirk of South Hadley, MA.

Russ was born March 12, 1951 in Providence, RI to Joseph and Doris Rayno. He was raised from infancy in Attleboro, where he attended Attleboro public schools. He, along with his brother, were active members of the Boy Scouts, Troop 34, led by their father, Joe. The boys enjoyed living near the marsh where they could sneak in some ice skating on the pond before their mom got home from work and forbade the excursion. A hardy group, they embarked on family camping in the summers and together built a cabin in the woods of NH to enjoy throughout the year. He shared his unending love for the La Salette Christmas lights display with his extended family, who treasure those memories. Russ returned to Attleboro in the early 1990s to live with his Mom, providing for her lovingly and devotedly until she passed away.

Russ graduated from Attleboro High School in 1969 and continued his education at Southeastern Massachusetts University. He found his true calling at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he became a chef and developed restaurant management skills. He began his career as a private cook and he quickly moved on to food and beverage manager for country clubs. The last 20 years, he managed the commissary for Dave's Fresh Marketplace in Warwick, RI, a job he thoroughly savored, mostly because of the wonderful people he worked with throughout the years.

Russ, a loving and respectful spouse, shared the last 12 years of his life with his husband, Freddie. They spent hours together improving and expanding their gardens and then sitting in the evenings discussing their days and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Traveling in the US and Canada were highlights of their time together. Of their family of dogs, Butchie, Brody, and Baxter, it was Brody that Russ' dog. He could always be found sitting in Russ' lap soaking up the warmth and companionship.

Russ found solace in the kitchen and in his elaborate flower gardens. In both arenas he could produce masterpieces from fancy wedding desserts and chocolate dipped strawberries for the servers and kitchen staff to 7 course meals and from creating gardens full of color and vibrancy to designing quiet peaceful places that welcomed meditation.

A recovering alcoholic Russ celebrated over 30 years of sobriety, an accomplishment of which he was rightfully proud. A valued member of his AA meeting group, he was always ready to celebrate a fellow member's birthday with one of the cheesecakes he kept ready in the freezer – just in case.  Russ was the kind of man who noticed if someone was alone and that person might just be found at Russ' Thanksgiving table or be given a meal just because.

Russ was kind, thoughtful, supportive, and generous, especially when sharing what he loved best. He loved a good estate sale where he could find treasures both for himself and to share with others. He always showed up with gifts, food and flowers and often something totally unexpected such as flowers and a day's work to start your garden. Russ could be lighthearted and jolly, while still getting chuckles from snarky remarks, or cozy and comforting when needed. Family and friends could always count on Russ.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Matthew Shepard Foundation, www.matthewshepard.org .

A small private service will be held at a later date to celebrate Russ' life.