Remembering Tim Russert

John Carroll University , Class of 1972

May 7, 1950 – June 13, 2008

On Friday, June 13, 2008, John Carroll University lost one of its most loyal and committed graduates, Timothy J. Russert, class of 1972, who always carried the John Carroll banner proudly. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Maureen and Luke, their family, and Tim’s friends, colleagues, and classmates.

Upon hearing news of Tim’s tragic passing, I invited the University community to come together for Mass. A little after 4:30 p.m. on June 13, over 50 individuals joined me for a liturgy at Schell House, the Jesuit residence.

Simultaneously, the University created a tribute to Tim on our website (http://www.jcu.edu/breakingnews/russert.htm) and provided alumni, friends, and others an opportunity to share their remembrances of Tim’s life. Meanwhile, local media conducted numerous interviews with University officials and alumni throughout the weekend.

On Tuesday, June 17, crowds of individuals from across the country and from all walks of life stood patiently in long lines at St. Albans School in Washington , DC , to pay their respects to the man who had come into their homes each Sunday morning as the moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press. Tim helped all of us better understand our political process, the leaders representing our nation, and the issues facing our country and our world. President Bush was among those who came to pay their respects and offer condolences to Maureen and Luke. 

On Wednesday morning, June 18, Tim’s wife and son, politicians, journalists, business leaders, and his closest friends and colleagues gathered together in prayer to celebrate his life. Maureen invited me to concelebrate at the funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Parish in Georgetown . Some of Tim’s closest friends and classmates from John Carroll attended, including: Marty Bergerson ’72, Bill Brown ’70, Dave Carden ’72, John Caulfield ’72, Bill Doyle ’72, Paul Gandillot ’70, Jack Hague ’72, Pat Hogan ’72, Frank Maggio ’72, John Marcus ’72, Tim McMahon ’74, Mark Pacelli ’72, Dennis Quilty ’72, Larry Ray ’72, Craig Roach ’72, Tom Ryan ’72, and Chris Schuba ’74. To view John Marcus ’ reflections, go to http://www.jcu.edu/breakingnews/russert/russertclassmate.htm

His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, DC, presided at the funeral Mass. Cardinal McCarrick said, “It is not easy to preach a homily for Tim and to communicate the feelings we all share concerning this remarkable man, for he was truly one of the great communicators in American society." Yet Cardinal McCarrick delivered a remarkable homily. He reminded us of God’s love for humanity. While Tim’s life here on earth is now complete, he said, God has called Tim home to share in the promised eternal life. It was a moving liturgy filled with examples of the many lives that Tim touched, from the powerful to the ordinary. John McCain and Barack Obama sat side by side. In his eulogy, Luke Russert described his father eloquently and concluded, "Tim Russert led with his heart, his compassion, and, most of all, his honor. I love you, Dad, and, in his words, ‘Let us all go get 'em!'"

As we left the church, some of Tim’s friends from John Carroll invited us to join them for lunch. What a privilege to sit down with his classmates – among his closest friends for the last 40 or more years – and listen to their warm and loving stories of him from their days together on campus and beyond. It was clear that their bonds of friendship run deep and true.

Meanwhile, back on campus, the John Carroll University community gathered at noon in Saint Francis Chapel for a Mass to celebrate Tim’s life. Rev. Jim Prehn, S.J., presided. The chapel was full of Tim’s classmates, friends, and admirers. The local network television stations covered the liturgy, with Channel 3, NBC’s affiliate, broadcasting it live and Webcasting it as well.

In Washington , DC , that afternoon, we went to The Kennedy Center for a memorial service, broadcast live on MSNBC. Once again, the people attending represented a cross-section of the lives that Tim Russert touched and those who had profound respect for him. Tim’s family, close friends, and classmates were well represented. In addition, the crowd included Tim’s seventh-grade teacher, leading journalists and colleagues, President Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. All came to pay tribute to the man who often reminded those around him, “No exercise is better for the human heart than reaching down to lift up another person.”

Moving remembrances were delivered by Tom Brokaw, Betsy Fischer, Sister Lucille Socciarelli, Al Hunt, Governor Mario Cuomo, Mike Barnicle, Maria Shriver, Brian Williams, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Luke Russert. Tim’s brother-in-law, Tony Scozzaro, delivered a musical tribute. He was followed by a surprise special tribute from one of Tim’s favorite musicians, Bruce Springsteen, via satellite from Europe , where he is on tour. Springsteen sang “ Thunder Road ” and dedicated it to Luke Russert. When Luke finished his remarks, the crowd stood in unison and delivered a rousing standing ovation. Nothing would have made Tim more proud.

Following the memorial service, a reception was held at the Roof Terrace Restaurant of The Kennedy Center. It was a beautiful summer day and an afternoon rainstorm had just passed through. We looked out across Washington and a full double rainbow extended over the city, reminding us that Tim’s spirit remains with us. He exemplified our Jesuit Catholic mission. He lived by the simple philosophy that there is a world beyond yourself.

In the last 50 days, we have lost two major advocates for the University – Father Joe Schell, S.J., and Tim Russert. Our faith is strongest in times like these. In the Catholic community we often refer to the Holy Spirit as the advocate. We can find strength in knowing that Fr. Schell’s and Tim’s love for us and the University is now joined with and put at the service of the perfect advocate – the Holy Spirit.

We struggle with the sudden loss of a person whose heart was as big as Tim Russert’s, but the celebration in Washington was a consolation. As I was sharing our sympathy with Maureen, she asked, “Are you proud of him?” Not only are we proud of him, I told her, but we continue to be inspired by Tim. We continue to hear stories about the joy, gentleness, and care that he showered on so many people. This encourages each of us to do as the Lord commanded and Tim lived: “Go and do the same.” Much as Tim would encourage us, we can do this too.

This Sunday, John Carroll University will run a tribute ad in the Plain Dealer, remembering the life of Tim Russert and the gift that he was to our University and our lives. You can view the tribute at http://www.jcu.edu/breakingnews/russert/pdtribute.htm.  We have begun conversations about inviting Tim’s family, friends, and classmates to campus to celebrate Tim’s life and contributions to our University community. You will be hearing more about this in the coming months.

We extend our deepest condolences to Maureen and Luke and will continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers. Our sympathies and prayers are with Tim’s classmates, friends, and others who knew him and were inspired by him. On June 13, 2008, John Carroll University lost a dear friend and alumnus whose integrity and commitment to his faith and justice embody the principles we value most as a Jesuit Catholic institution. Tim Russert, class of 1972, leaves a lasting legacy of a truly honorable life.      

Sincerely,

Rev. Robert L. Niehoff, S.J.
President
John Carroll University

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