Lorenzo J. "Larry" Russo

Mr. Lorenzo J. “Larry” Russo, Sr., age 88, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at the Syracuse Veterans Administration Hospital. Born in Utica on November 2, 1921, Lorenzo was the son of the late Vincenzo and Elise (Papadopopli) Russo. He was raised and educated locally. As a volunteer with the Civilian Conservation Corps, he took pride in planting trees in Sherburne, NY as part of the project to reforest America. This civil service led to his military service during World War II as an honorable veteran of the United States Navy. On June 24, 1950, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, he was joined in the Sacrament of marriage to the former Adeline P. Pellegrino; throughout their 60-year union, they shared a loving and enjoyable relationship. Larry was called back to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, a charge he met with courage and commitment. He was proud that he successfully aspired to the position of Chief Quartermaster, armed only with his 8th grade education. During his civilian career, he held a position with Borden’s Ice Cream Company as a “milkman” delivering dairy products to customers’ doorsteps and to the valley stores. Lastly, he was under the employ of M & M Transportation Company as a truck mechanic prior to his retirement. At home, Larry enjoyed tinkering and repairing, and he was always willing to volunteer himself if needed. At times, he worked endlessly to accomplish a project. He found pleasure in designing and building model lighthouses, was proficient in the art of chair caning, and loved to fish. He fished Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks, Glimmerglass Lake, Cooperstown, and Seneca Lake near Geneva, NY. He also fished Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. He was an avid NY Yankees fan, and knew they would win the World Series time and again. He was a member of the American Legion Fort Schuyler Post #1290, and a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Larry is survived by his wife, Adeline; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Louise and Robert A. Sirianni of Utica; his sons and daughters-in-law, James “Jim” C. and Mary Russo of New Hartford, and Lorenzo “Larry” J. and Lisa Russo of Dunedin, FL; and his grandchildren, Chelene L. Sirianni, Robert J. Sirianni, Michael Sirianni, Steven C. Sirianni, Severine Russo, Louis Rosato, Lorenzo J. Russo, Lucia M. Russo, Mariah F. Russo, and Salvatore V. Russo. Survivors also include his sister, Theresa Motto of CA; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Rosemary Malerba, Carmen and Lucille Pellegrino, Jr., Robert and Marie Pellegrino, Beverly Pellegrino, Clairice “DeeDee” Pellegrino, Jeanette Pellegrino, and Dominick Pellegrino. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Linda Sue; his brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Thelma Russo; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine and Andrew Pekala, and Dolores and Dick Dudek; and his in-laws, Anthony F. Pellegrino, Anthony Malerba and Louis Motto. The family is deeply grateful to Larry’s health care aide, Jerome Hymes, who offered loving care and concern; and the staff of the Visiting Nurse Association for their compassion. The family will honor Larry’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Military Honors will be conferred, and the family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Lorenzo J. "Larry" Russo

November 2, 1921 - August 29, 2010