Russell deLucia

tough to write - as I always dreaded this day. trust and inclusivity - you put the bar for both those qualities that very few people can aspire to reach.
Saved SELCO INDIA at a time when no one else came but that is for another day; russ you went too early and went in the way you wanted. I still have an email from you last week - well it will remain in my unanswered box.

russ - I never wished that the ink in your pens should ever dry....

I still can’t come to terms that Russ is not going to be on Skype every Saturday . It is now almost 3 weeks since I spoke to Russ.
My last call with Russ was on Saturday 1st Feb ending at about 11.40AM EST.
He always used to say that he wants to work until his last day, last hours of his life, which he actually did ! He is the icon of exemplary life guided by strong values and resolutions. He lived his life with great purpose, uncompromised.
Over the past 11 years since we met, Russ has stood by almost every single pro poor, inclusive development initiative we took in E-Hands Group and participated in building our enterprises. His compassion, empathy and concern for the poor; particularly among the most neglected segment of the society , was astonishing. Thus, his generosity for poverty alleviation and inclusive development was exceptional. Russ, as an Impact Investor; truly stood by his word and promise “ Impact First”.
Losing Russ, personally for me; is almost impossible to overcome. Perhaps “Time” alone is the healer.
Me and many of my colleagues at E-Hands are so glad that we got to spend 5 days with him at Gandhinagar in November 2024. As a Key Speaker in the Symposium, Russ earned deep admiration and respect for him from hundreds of the participants. We have vivid memories of the very pleasant time we had in Gandhinagar. Russ was full of energy and zeal. He made it all alone from Boston to Ahmedabad and back, at nearing 84 , this was very brave of Russ ! We are grateful to Robin for supporting & encouraging Russ on his last mission to India , we could meet Russ ! But, deep beneath his courageous trip to India at this stage in his life, is his unwavering commitment to help the underserved in India.

We salute this great, wonderful and amazing soul !

We believe that the best way to pay tributes to Russ is to continue to work on the Inclusive Development Mission he had enunciated.
We will strive to fulfil his aspirations on impact first development.
We propose to set up Dr Russel deLucia Impact Fund in the months to come, focused on supporting early stage enterprises in Circular Economy and Energy Access, in India.

I feel so much privileged that I was aligned with the “ Russel Ideology”!
It is such a great honor to have known him and to have worked with him.

Russ, the Legend; lives on in our hearts forever!



Raghu & Team E-Hands .

I first met Russell in my early days at SELCO, and I remember feeling completely overwhelmed in that first meeting. He spoke passionately—holding forth on development issues while candidly voicing his frustrations with the system. At first, it was a lot to take in, but over time, I came to appreciate his honesty, his depth of understanding, and his unwavering ideals. In fact, I began to look forward to his no-holds-barred reflections, which were always raw, insightful, and full of wisdom. His sense of purpose and clarity about what the world truly needed still stay with me today.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Russell, both professionally and personally. Beneath his sharp intellect and fierce convictions was a warm, thoughtful, and big-hearted person. He cared deeply and gave generously.

We will miss you, Russ.

I had the privilege of knowing Russ through our work, and of meeting him and Robin in their lovely home in Boston. I left feeling positive, energized and hopefully for the future... Russ will be missed much...

Rest in Peace Guru!! Russell deLucia

A person who is a machine of Ideas and has at most rigour in anything he does.
Usually a very tough person to work with but always open towards learning and newer perspectives. He bets on ideas that have profound positive impacts on poverty, which others consider risky and unchartered territory. His commitment to poverty was such that he quickly translated words into action. He also proved that no one retires from working to solve poverty.

I was fortunate enough to work closely with him during the past many years. Though we had a 50 year age gap, our regular brainstorming sessions were always very open and inclusive. This was a picture taken 8 years ago in the S3IDF India office immediately after we had an intense session on ground realities of Pavagada, Karnataka when he then, enlightened us with his experience working on the Sahel crisis during the 1960s.

I'm fortunate to have him as my mentor and someone who has deeply influenced my work in the development sector. Our relationship grew from professional to personal with strong agreements and disagreements. Nonetheless we would always hold hands together for our mutual goal.

Personally, my work moving forward will always be based on the foundational principles he has helped me establish.

Honoured to have also worked with him on The Initiative - "My Last Hurrah", (quoting Russ).

Russell
We will truly miss you. I first met, worked with and learned form Russell in 1980. He taught me so much about the work of international development. Both in Cambridge, Massachusetts and in several Latin American nations, Russell was such a smart and thoughtful guide. I value his advice and counsel.

Russell will be deeply missed. he made his piece of the world better. Best wishes.

Russell instilled in me a deep and unwavering belief in the power of possibility, the necessity of persistence, and the responsibility we all have to push for a better world. So much of my perspective—how I approach my everyday life, my professional goals, my sense of what is possible—is shaped by having working alongside him. To me, Russell was more than a colleague; he became my mentor and over time, he also became family.

I still vividly remember my early days at S3IDF, some 14 years ago. Working with Russell was not for the faint of heart. He put everyone through their paces, but if you proved yourself—if you demonstrated that you were true of heart, fully committed to the mission, and willing to put in the hard work—you got the opportunity to become a true collaborator. He set a high bar for dedication and execution so I will never forget one of the most meaningful compliments I have ever received: "Never did I expect to meet somebody who would be as hard-working and dedicated as I am – that is until I met you, Elizabeth."

His determination and idealism for achieving a more equitable and just world were not just admirable; they were a true reflection of the very best of humanity. His level of commitment, vision, and sense of fairness were truly unparalleled. Despite his strong convictions, those who knew Russell best understood that he valued pushback from those whose opinions he respected. He may have fought against it at times, but at his core, he appreciated honest debate—because he knew that true progress came from challenging even the most firmly held beliefs. Though Russell was often equal parts stubborn and opinionated (though always brilliant!), he was also simultaneously one of the most genuinely caring individuals I have ever known.

Where so many might send a quick message or passing comment when someone was going through a difficult time, Russell showed up—fully, completely, with the depth of feeling that let you know he truly cared. Yes, that often meant his emails could read like novels, but in every word, there was sincerity. He never gave just a cursory acknowledgment; he engaged deeply and with intention.

Russell’s legacy is undeniable. It can be measured in the sheer breadth of his work—the policies he influenced, the foundational reports he co-authored, the projects that shaped entire industries and economies. Individuals spend entire careers trying to accomplish a fraction of what he did. But even more important than his professional achievements is the impact he had on people—the countless lives he touched, both directly and indirectly, through S3IDF and beyond.

Through every consulting contract, every engagement with micro-entrepreneurs, every conversation with a startup founder who had a vision as grand as his own, Russell demonstrated what truly mattered: dedication, vision, determination, and hope. Those who had the privilege of working with him didn’t just gain technical knowledge—they walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, a belief in what could be achieved, and, inevitably, a handful of unforgettable “Russell-isms” to carry with them.

One of the unique aspects of working with Russell was that we often kept very long and somewhat unconventional hours. This meant that in the early mornings or on weekends over Skype we had plenty of time to talk—not just about work, but about life. I enjoyed hearing his stories of past projects, his day-to-day reflections, and the things that mattered most to him. He was fiercely open and honest, both personally and professionally, and I always appreciated that he spoke just as freely about personal matters as he did about S3IDF’s mission. That level of comfort with himself and his own truth is something most of us can only aspire to.

Some of my fondest memories of Russell go beyond the work itself. I remember when we were in Cambodia for a workshop, and I got to witness a completely different side of him—his pure, innocent, and playful charm—as he bartered for a sky-blue hat from our tuk-tuk driver. The driver, clearly entertained by Russell’s antics, hadn’t had that much fun in ages. It was a simple, joyful moment, a reminder that Russell could be both serious and delightfully mischievous in equal measure.

I also have incredibly fond memories of the countless dinners Russell and Robin hosted in their home whenever a partner or colleague was in town. Russell was an incredible chef, and he took great pride in his cooking. I always loved hearing the story of how he brought back their special dinner plates from Bangladesh in small batches, carrying them piece by piece in his suitcase. His meals were rich in flavor, dimension, and effort—just like the conversations that unfolded around the table. Watching him light up in discussion, so fully himself, so engaged and animated, was a sight to behold. He had a way of making people from vastly different backgrounds feel instantly at ease, drawing them into his world with warmth and curiosity.

I will never “get over” his loss—nor would I want to. His words, his lessons, our countless conversations over the years will continue to guide me, ground me, and challenge me to live up to the principles he embodied. The world is undeniably better for having had Russell in it, and though his absence leaves an unfillable void, his spirit will live on in the work we continue, in the ideals we uphold, and in the lives he helped shape. The ripple effect of his influence is immeasurable.

I honor and salute (with a glass of cynar!) one of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever known and will ever know.

Doug Smith introduced me to Russell about the same time that we were conducting the ADB regional rural electrification review, in the early 1980s. We encountered some tough technical and economic issues related to irrigation uses in India and Pakistan that needed to be nutted out, and between Ramesh and Russell, we did so (rather, Doug did so, I just listened and learned). At the time, I was living in Leverett, western Mass in the forest north of Amherst. Russell's office and home in Cambridge was my go-to sleep, talk, work (mostly work) place when I was working on a project with dLA and Michael. When I think of Russell, I see his face smiling gleefully when he realized he knew something you didn't, which was almost always the case. I loved his rigor combined with pragmatism and his commitment to equity and efficiency, a rare combination in the development-aid funded project world. Fare thee well Russell, thank you, we'll see you all to soon wherever that is!

18 February 2025

I am furious. At him and myself. Earlier today I told myself, "It is only getting worse every day and you don't know how it will end up. Grief has no calendar and don't fool yourself. Russell will be waiting for you; you can't wait for him."

So I am going to write a few things nobody else has known yet.

One - my iPhone has somehow taken a picture of Russell somewhere with his name tagged on the photograph, then collected many other pictures of me, and collectively put them all under "Russell" - one or two pictures of him, rest mine. My hair, beard, eyes, must have looked like his in the pictures on this phone.

In December 2021, I went to Bangalore and reserved a place at Cross Roads Inn where Russell used to stay. The next morning I told the desk manager I came there because Russell had recommended it. The man's eyes lit up - "You know Russell sir? Just this morning I was telling my men that another Russell sir had come. You look and talk a lot like him."

I remembered Kirk Smith, who did a Russell on me in mid-June 2020. It was with Russell that I had started doing "village biomass balances" in 1980 - the use of biomass as fuel, fodder, feed, fertilizer and also fence, furniture (we called the 5F or 6F paper), and the economics of cooking in rural and urban areas. In January 1983 I met Kirk in New Delhi. From 2005 to 2018 Kirk and I had developed a friendship and Russell was aware of the arguments and goings on, including the "climate angle" of Black Carbon. In October 2018, I publicly split from Kirk on his advocacy of monetizing aDALYs when he promptly cut me off emails. I figured he and I - and Joan - would meet over a beer or dinner, but he left us suddenly in the midst of CoVid lockdown. I was devastated and broke down over the phone with Russell, who said "Don't take it that hard. Kirk, you, and I will meet in heaven sooner or later and have beer there."

I want beer now, Russ.

Another memory that only a few people know of. On 9/11 morning, he had left my home in McLean to go to a conference in Crystal City. I got the news on tv and called Robin to tell her I am waiting to hear from Russell. He called around 4, "I know what has happened. Metro has started running. What shall I do?" I told him to take the Metro to Foggy Bottom and walk to the hotel where Andrew Barnett was staying. I drove over and the three of us watched tv for an hour or so. Then I left with Russell and drove over to my office then at the World Bank. We went up for a few minutes while I wrote some emails that we were safe. He had called Robin already.

Washington was deserted all over, more than on Christmas day. As we left to go home, mine was the only civilian car around, not that there were many police or military cars either. We drove by to see the Pentagon burning. That was different from my usual drive up GW Parkway, so I took the Glebe Road exit and took another diversion - "I want to see if the Saudi ambassador's house has extra security." (By then we had heard that some of the 9/11 attackers were Saudi.)

Russell was surprised I knew the Saudi ambassador's house, but believed me when we saw the sign at the gate. There was nothing to see on the street.

As we moved up the street, I remembered he had wanted to know the origin of the bus he took on Dolley Maddison Boulevard close to my home. "Let me show you," I said, taking a turn on a driveway on the right.

It was blocked. I had turned into the CIA entrance!

I could not make a U turn. The announcer on a speaker on the side said "Drive up!"

So, around 6.30pm on 9/11, we were in front of the tall gates of the CIA. Soon enough, Park Police, County Police, and Military Police were around us. For the first time in my life here I was asked, "Which country are you from?" Russ was asked the same.

He was anxious. I could not afford to be, so I played it cool. Heck, this is my town, and so what if it is the CIA? He asked me to call my daughter, who was stuck at a school in Middleburg, or my lawyer. I remember saying, "When we need a habeas corpus. Don't worry." He said, "What if the habeas corpus is suspended under an emergency"" I said, "I don't think the president can declare an emergency; hasn't yet." He replied, "But the Governor could declare an emergency for the Commonwealth."

He got me, as usual. We had to wait until the police checked me out, confirmed that I lived a mile up the street and let us go.

That was a Tuesday. Air, bus, train were down until Saturday. He took the train back on Saturday.

Russ, I wanted to do video interviews with you, Robin and write an intellectual history of you, me. I remember how you called me from Bangalore airport in February 2007 and told me we lost Ramesh; you were going to see him the next day.

Never before have I felt a rush to go to heaven. Now I imagine you, Kirk, Ramesh, and me over a beer.

Wait for me, friend. This shock is piling up day by day. I have still not seen a single death in my 70 years. I have felt thoroughly lost these last few days. Who is going to read my emails - from jokes to rants, or forwarding interesting news like one on Indian spices most recently? Who is going to want to talk to me anymore?

I am kicking myself for going on a cruise for four days instead of joining you on the AMD trip.

And I am furious at you for leaving so soon.

I hope this letter finds you well! I know you prefer being called Russ, but nicknames often take on a life of their own as expressions of endearment. As my academic pursuits take me further... I must say I see why scholars care about definitions and acronyms.

If we were to meet again, I’d be curious to ask, "How many nicknames have you collected over the years?" I imagine the list must be as colorful and dynamic as the impact you’ve had on those around you.

Writing this letter feels wrong : especially because we spoke not too long ago. My parents would check on me about our soon-to-happen meeting. Since I left the S3IDF nest in 2017, it has been quite a journey. In 2023, as I’ve moved to the U.S., I was certain that we would reconnect. When I decided to join Georgetown, one of the first groups I shared my decision with was the S3IDF family. Why? Because people care for those who care.

Although I didn’t have the privilege of working directly with you, your influence was unmistakable through Samit, Avinash, Nitin, Tejas, Gopal, and Saras. We had the freedom to work without a worry but the curiosity to understand civilization problems makes an impact. Thank you for moving both the world and hearts around you with your passion!

Goodbye, Dr. deLucia. We will remember you in your laughter.

Archit

"To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die"
Thomas Campbell

I am scripting a beautiful story in and through my life and works in communities where I am working—one that is woven from the dreams, struggles, and aspirations. Though miles separated (S3IDF), Dr. Russ has built a bridge—one that stands strong, and I can cross it whenever I need to. And that bridge is not just of ideas or businesses but of trust, friendship, and a shared purpose.

Since 2023, my days have been filled with immense learning, challenges, opportunities, and successes that have been shared together. This journey Sutsung has embarked upon is not going to be easy. It requires us to dissect our ventures, confront what hasn’t worked, and embrace what has.

His energy and belief in Sutsung’s mission mean the world to us. I will continue to honour him by being as “a catalyst of personal and social change” … “a partner in the divine cosmic process of peace, justice, and transformation.”

Jongpong Chiten
Director& Co-founder
Sutsung Enterprise Pvt. Ltd
Nagaland, India

Russell was a mentor to me and a very dear friend. As a person, he was tough on the outside but one of the kindest and caring persons on the inside. In every conversation he would always remember his friends. He trusted his friends and would do anything for them. His vision for S3IDF was original and ahead of its time. When I look back at my time in S3IDF, it was one of rapid learning and helped me in a big way in my entrepreneurial journey. Had it not been for his openness to new ideas and trust in me, I would not have tried the things I did and got the learnings to start my entrepreneurial journey. I would always be indebted to Russell for this. Finally one cannot forget the support Robin gave him emotionally and professionally. They made a wonderful couple. Below is the last photo with Russell and Robin at their home.

A Great Loss for Humanity & Impact Investing ecosystem.

His journey was known for helping alleviate poverty through sustainability in India. A pioneer in sustainable development and impact investing, spending over 50 years working in development finance, infrastructure, and natural resource management.

Dr. deLucia played a big role in the Green Worms journey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a conversation that led to our first investment from S3IDF. He believed in us early on, always pushing us to do more and create a bigger impact. More than an investor, he was a mentor and someone who truly cared about the work.

I had the opportunity to interact with him a couple of times, and he made sure to stay in touch regularly he used to write emails, asking for updates, and getting excited about what we were doing at Green Worms. He was always restless, always pushing for change.

My only regret is not making the effort to meet him in person.

The best way to honor him is by creating more impact through Green Worms and sharing his legacy, so more people get inspired by his vision.

We will pay tribute to him by naming our new Recycled Plastic Testing Lab after him.

Dr. Russell believed in Green Worms when no one else did, when many saw our work as nothing more than "dirty work." He not only invested in us but also regularly wrote to me, appreciating and encouraging our efforts.

Rest in peace, Dear Dr. deLucia. Your impact will live on.

I feels as if Russ has been my friend for most of my adult life, and I cannot quite believe that he has gone.

It is so long ago that I cannot now remember precisely when we first met. But it would have been after September 1977 when I started working for IDRC in Canada from my base at the University of Sussex in Brighton. I certainly remember visiting Russ at his offices at Meta Systems. I visited China and Brazil with Russ, and attach a photo of him standing in front of the famous Iguasu waterfall in Brazil in 1986.
I learned to much from Russ. He often joked he was the “American Capitalist” on many the IDRC energy projects, and he certainly educated us on the role of small scale private capital. But in words from the S3IDF website he always stressed the importance of treating people in a dignified and fair way with investments that contribute to a sustainable economy while generating social and environmental impact.

Russell had so much energy and seemed never to stop working. I understand he was working on the day he died. He was passionate about this work and was driven to do what he could to create a more caring work and the elimination of grinding poverty.

Russell was a wonderful cook and I remember many delightful meals with Russ and Robin in their lovely Cambridge house.

I miss him so much, but his memory will last forever in the minds of the people he influenced and, in the projects and programmes that he supported.

Love and best wishes to all of you who knew him.

I've known Russell almost 50 years. He was one of the best thinkers and doers in the field of renewable energy - way ahead of his time, particularly in promoting decentralized power services. He was also one of the kindest and most generous people I know...his commitment to India has brought benefits that will keep coming for many, many years.

Russell had a way of seeing potential where others saw obstacles. He pushed us to think bigger, to act with courage, and to never lose sight of the communities we serve. His presence was grounding, his words inspiring, and his impact immeasurable.

Since childhood, I had dreamed of doing something for our community of underprivileged people but often doubted whether the world would believe in us—until I met Russell. His timely support made us believe in ourselves, giving us the strength to continue serving our community and building solutions for people and the planet. Until my last breath, Russell will be missed.

As I reflect on his influence in my life, I feel deep gratitude for the moments of guidance, the hard questions he asked, and the unwavering support he extended. His legacy lives on in the work we continue, in the lives he touched, and in the lessons he left us with. My only regret will always be that I never got to meet him in person and hug him.

I met Russell deLucia 20+ years back. When I was a 20 something young boy with very little corporate experience, but a keen hunger to work on issues of poverty and ecology, I was lucky to meet Russ (Thanks to Harish Hande that I did) and begin to work with him. Ever since, Russell has been my mentor, a friend and a father-figure. Anything I know today, any work that I've done or may do has its foundation in the mentoring that Russell has given me.

Above all, I remember Russ as a prolific story teller, every story rich with the smallest of detail, every story filled with delightful and enriching digressions. All these stories he has shared over the numerous coffees, or during the time spent in train or car journeys each and every one of them has been a source of knowledge, inspiration and respect for him.

As much as I have had this delightful time with Russ - listening to his stories - I have had vehement and often stressful disagreements and arguments with him. To be sure, Russ was a difficult person to work with - or perhaps I was the difficult person to work with. However, this was the magic of working with Russ. That despite my relative inexperience, despite my relative ignorance, with Russ I could disagree, I could argue. And no matter how naive I may have been (especially as I recall, my earliest arguments with him) Russ would still listen and argue like I was an equal - that was his humility, that was the space he gave us. And as I worked with him more, getting a better grasp of what his ideas meant really in the contexts in which I championed them, I grew to be able to critique it in a more real way. I would share with him my adaptations, and re-interpretations of his own ideas, especially to make them what I thought was more contextually relevant. And, I remember this one time, when I was persuasive enough for him - he just got up and said - "come lets go have a coffee and some naans". The greatest compliment that Russ has ever given me, and this will still remain among the proudest moment of my life is : "Avinash, instead of asking me what to do, you finish your mischief and then ask for forgiveness, when forgiving and admitting you were right is the only option you leave for me".

It is really a rare privilege to have to work closely with someone like Russ - to work closely with such a knowledgeable, such a kind and generous person who through his own actions taught us all what intellectual honesty really is. Russell showed us how we can work with people who we may deeply disagree with, yet collaborate as we are all working towards the same ends. Russell showed us how to hear out, listen to, be loud when you need to and cede space for other voices - all of these.

Hearing of your passing Russell is for me the end of an era in my life - yet you will continue to be with me, in the values, principles and ideas you have shared and inspired amongst many of us. You are there with me, inspiring me and challenging me in every step I take Russell. May you get the peaceful rest you so richly deserve now and may be you can spend much more time in your tomato garden.

I am sure that so many of our colleagues share these thoughts and sentiments.

With a heavy heart, but with all of Russell's ideas still alive in my thoughts,

Avinash

Tribute to Dr. Russell deLucia
It is with a heavy heart that we heard the passing of Dr. Russell deLucia, a true champion and believer in our mission at Green Worms. His unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in our journey, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.

To honor his memory, we have decided to name our new Recycled Plastic Testing Lab after him. This lab will serve as a testament to his vision and commitment to sustainability.

Dr. Russell was one of the first investors in Green Worms, believing in us when many others saw our work as nothing more than "dirty work." His faith in our mission was not just financial; he regularly reached out to offer words of encouragement and appreciation for our efforts.

His support was more than just an investment; it was a vote of confidence that motivated us to push boundaries and strive for excellence. Dr. Russell's legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward, driven by the same passion for sustainability that he embodied.

Rest in peace, Dr. Russell deLucia. Your impact will never be forgotten.

Russell was one of the original India hands. But more than his technical acumen, he will be remembered for the generation of impressive leaders he mentored in the US and India. The legacy will continue through them

i don't think ive ever heard more stories from anyone else in my life. I was amazed at how many beautiful, funny, insightful, illuminating life experiences Russell had, the sheer volume of memory, and how he mastered the craft of pulling you in, going on a long journey, and then winding back up in your seat an hour later.

i know ill cherish my memories of him. the times in the Selco office where we didn't really talk much, but I knew who he was because he was so loud. memories of when he cooked me and Robin pasta when I would when I would walk over to their place while in grad school. the first time I introduced him to omar, my spouse. the time where he sent me to India to research waste organizations. the times he would tell me about his college days, or high school friends, or wild hustles he would pull.

thank you russell, friend and mentor for being an inspiration and such a joy to know. i miss you dearly


and for the more public note for Russell here: www.linkedin.com/posts/sabira-lakhani_legacy-development-mentors-activity-7294753951361449988-TDQY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAASIP3kBfEvfTCNXDPEXGvSAJvAYYhwKj2s

I am deeply saddened to hear that one of my former leaders and mentors, Dr. Russell deLucia, has passed away. Dr. DeLucia was a visionary in development finance and infrastructure innovation. He leaves behind a legacy of transformative contributions to global development.

Mercurial and always brilliant – possibly the two are connected – he was a deeply caring and supportive force in both his professional and personal life. I am a better person, global citizen, and professional for having known him. I always speak of him fondly, remembering our many conversations about life, politics, and global economics. When my grandmother died shortly after I started working with him at S3IDF, he left me a lovely note making sure I remembered to celebrate the good memories I had with her. I have the note in my drawer to this day.

As the Innovation Director and Principal Founder of S3IDF, Dr. DeLucia dedicated his nearly 50-year career to advancing sustainable infrastructure, natural resource management, and development finance. His expertise and leadership extended across bilateral and multilateral institutions. He played a pivotal role in shaping policies, designing projects, and implementing development strategies across more than sixty countries and in every major agro-climatic zone.

Beyond his institutional work, Dr. DeLucia was a dedicated educator, holding various part-time and associate graduate assignments in the U.S. and internationally. His commitment to knowledge extended to his writing, where he contributed extensively to academic and policy discussions, including his seminal work, The Energy Dimensions of Poverty, for the first IFAD World Poverty Study and his role as Editorial Advisor for Natural Resources Forum.

Dr. DeLucia is survived by his wife, family, colleagues, friends, and a global network of professionals who benefited from his mentorship and unwavering commitment to equitable, sustainable development. His legacy will live on through the many projects, policies, and people he influenced throughout his remarkable career.

If you are so inclined, please check out his work at S3IF Small Scale Sustainable Infrastructure Development Fund (S3IDF) and see his lasting impact.

Much love and respect to the S3IDF Team - past and present.

I first met Russell in 1986 in Washington, DC when I assumed being Executive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) as well as The Export Council for Renewable Energy - a coalition of the US renewable energy trade groups. Russell was a senior consultant for The World Bank Group - knew everyone, opinionated, really smart, and a great laugh. We became instant friends and collaborators. And when he dropped out of Bank consulting, because "The World Bank, created to help the world's poorest of the poor, wasn't doing that at all". And he would visit DC often, and we always ate at outdoor cafe's basically birthing the idea of S3dif. His intellect was most awesome, and he was unafraid to sift through all the bullsh-t. We befriended some foundations to begin S3dif, and Russell went on with his first "child". His honestly was disarming, his intellect impressive, his warmth and humor most welcoming and his friendship was a gift. I was honored to have him as a friend and colleague. I'll miss that great bushy beard and hearty laugh. Be well my friend.

Prof.Russel deLucia came to India for IEEE conference at Gandhinagar, Gujrat that time personally when i meet him that time i realized that life is nothing which we think or live it is always beyond everything so joy it i learn this from prof.russel and he tell me one thing that don't stuck into memories without reasons always such a great personality is being legend. that time i requested prof.russel for a photo this is the time when me and my friends talked with him.

Time and distance don't define such a great person's relationship and experience. I had the delightful experience of working with Russ and earned his appreciation and blessings. His emails are fresh in my memories and I will miss him forever.

During my graduate studies, I was fortunate to work with him and learned to develop an investment thesis. With a passion for detailed long-form writing and constantly placing people experiencing poverty at the center of his investments, Russ and the Small Scale Sustainable Infrastructure Development Fund (S3IDF) team provided innumerable platforms for me to contribute, debate, and argue, patiently listening to some and incorporating many others to accelerate circularity in the portfolio.

In a room full of Indians, Russ had as much insight about India as anyone else, so (of course!), I was thrilled to spot him and Robin Brenner at a US-India conference in 2024.

Russ shared an hour-long conversation with me on Jan 31st, reminiscing a sepia-tinted history of a beach town, remembering our meeting at the conference and some smiles later, memorialized into the phenomenon he had always been.

Until the last hour, you worked for what you believed in, Russ.
I am better for my interaction with you, Russ.