Obituary of Joseph R. Russo
Joseph Russo of Yonkers, New York died peacefully at the age of 91 with family at his bedside. He is survived by his son Alex Russo (Geraldine) and his daughters Lydia Rotondo (Michael) and Nancy Morrissey (Steven), 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is long since preceded in death by his wife Margaret Susan Russo who died in 1981.
Born on July 18th, 1927, he is the son of Alfonse Russo, a professional guitarist, and homemaker Antoinette (Capasso), residing on the Grand Concourse in Bronx, New York. After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17 to serve his country in WWII. After returning from his tour of service in the Pacific, he attended New York University (NYU) on the GI Bill graduating with a business degree in 1950. In the decades that followed, he built a successful business as a manufacturers’ representative for the food service industry earning a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 from the Manufacturers’ Agents for the Food Service Industry (MAFSI). Like his father, he was an accomplished musician as well. A member of the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802, he worked for Steven Scott Entertainment and other bands as a professional drummer from the 1950’s -1970’s while building Joseph Russo Associates. He was a New York Yankee fan, a competitive bowler, and an avid non-fiction reader.
He will be interred in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York on February 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Rochester School of Nursing are welcomed.
