PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush paid their respects to Tim Russert yesterday at the fallen NBC newsman’s public wake at St. Albans School in Washington, DC.

A private funeral service will be held today for Russert, the popular and powerful “Meet the Press” host who died suddenly last Friday at the age of 58.

Russert leaves behind wife Maureen Orth and son Luke, who graduated from St. Albans – and who stood and shook hands with everyone who attended the wake.

Russert was mourned by NBC colleagues including Matt Lauer, Chris Matthews and Brian Williams. Phil Donahue, Bryant Gumbel and Ralph Nader, among others, also attended yesterday’s wake, while actor George Clooney sent flowers with a note that simply read: “There are no words.” Condolences can be sent to the Russert family by e-mail: russert.condolences@nbcuni.com.