Eleanor S. (Russo) Russo

Mrs. Eleanor S. (Russo) Russo, age 84, formerly of New Hartford and South Utica, and currently a resident of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the support of her loving family. Born in Utica on April 21, 1927, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Carmen, Sr. and Vivian (DeRosa) Russo; she also admired her father’s second wife, the late Jessie (Bartolotti) Russo. She was proud of her primary educational years at both Bleecker St. School and Brandegee Elementary School. She attended T.R. Proctor High School, but Eleanor’s primary concern during her teen years was caring for her parents and younger siblings. On November 25, 1948 she wed Samuel L. Russo who passed away on August 8, 2006; she was his strength and source of guidance, caring for his needs during their 57 years of marriage. Eleanor was well known in the retail arena during her employment years at the Boston Store and she quickly became a top sales representative. In 1960 Eleanor became a pioneer in the development and staffing of the Child Care Center at the Neighborhood Center, a historic hub of human services, ministering to the needs of a diverse community. She touched many lives during her tenure with the Neighborhood Center where she served as the nutritional dietician, retiring in 1991. She could create meals with an international flair in their presentation and there was no cuisine she couldn’t conquer. She had ethnic knowledge of many cultures, religions, and beliefs and was often complimented by those of different backgrounds on her culinary skills. Eleanor applied herself to every obstacle of her life. There was nothing she couldn’t do, from ascribing to the mechanical abilities of “Rosie the Riveter” to being at the bedside of a loved one with the gentlest of heart. She was a person of great ideas and cared for those around her in every way. She held a great desire to learn, and her conversations were vast. She did whatever she could, above and beyond, for all. She was blessed with a great sensitivity to humanity and she followed in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini, a beacon of good works and advocacy for the underprivileged. As the matriarch of her family and her table, she masterfully prepared multi-cultural holidays and dinners, a tradition she passed onto her children. Her appreciation of faith, family, and people, made her the unique personality and captivating soul that was Eleanor. Where there was a need, she was a supporter, a true philanthropist, fervently inspirational in her charitable nature. She gave of herself, her time, and her financial capabilities to many important organizations and causes. She loved to volunteer, especially at the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home Activities Department and her time with the elderly was of such gratification to her. She was a unique woman whose life blossomed by the inspiration of her family, and her non-judgmental attitude of embracing people. She was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary, and had a special dedication to Novenas and the Eucharist. She kept her faith in those around her and spoke often of having “trust in God”. A parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, she was especially proud of her friendship and kinship with her pastor, Fr. Joe Salerno. During her spare time she found pleasure in reading, praying, listening to operatic music, and searching out savory recipes. ` Eleanor is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Samuel L., Jr. and Janice (Furtek) Russo of Utica, and Steven S. and Christine (Przelomiec) Russo of Deerfield; and her grandchildren, Nicholas Russo, and Joshua Russo. Also left to mourn her passing are her siblings and their spouses, Marie A. Russo, and Elizabeth and Angelo Scarafile, all of New Hartford, Carmen, Jr. and Congetta Russo, and Linda A. Russo, all of Utica; her step-siblings, Josephine and Angelo Ciancaglini, and Anthony and Joan Bartolotti; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, Arlena Marino, Donald and Marlene DeRosa and Anthony Russo; her in-laws, Marion LaPolla, Madeline Ciriaco, Lena Palumbo, Lavinia Lee Russo, Mary Russo; and her in-laws and dear friends, Frances Furtek (also her traveling companion), and Edward and Rosella Przelomiec. She was predeceased by her brother, Salvatore A. Russo; in-laws, Captain Nicholas D. Russo, UPD, Dominick Russo, Jr., Angeline and Jeremiah Testa, Nicholas Ciriaco, Louis LaPolla, Sr., and Joseph Palumbo, Sr.; her great-aunt, Lena Marino; and cousins, especially acknowledging Joseph Lubertine. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Mathew Ulahannan with whom Eleanor shared a mutually professional and deep rooted friendship; the entire staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially acknowledging Dr. Dilip Kachare for his care during her stay at the home; the Carmelite Sisters, including Sister Robert Anthony, Fr. David Sambor, Joan Jackubowski, Jane Dabro, R.N. (retired), the nursing staff, and especially her fellow resident, Michael McGuirl. All of these people were special to her during this step in the journey of her life. The family will gather at a private time to honor and commemorate Eleanor’s life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, it is Eleanor’s request to please support the St. Joseph Nursing Home Activities Department; envelopes will be available at the service or may be directed to 2535 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Eleanor S. (Russo) Russo

April 21, 1927 - April 27, 2011