Samuel L. Russo, Sr.

Mr. Samuel L. Russo, Sr., age 81, of New Hartford, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on December 14, 1924, Samuel was the son of the late Dominick and Angeline (Lubertine) Russo. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A US Army veteran of World War II, he served in the European Theater of Operations, participating in events that distinguished him as a decorated Disabled American Veteran. On November 25, 1948 he was married to the former Eleanor S. Russo. They shared a devoted and enduring union of 57 years. Mr. Russo’s lifework was with the United States Postal Service at both the Broad and Pitcher Street locations. He competently served in the capacity of clerk, retiring in 1987, after a span of over 30 years. A community-oriented man, Samuel was a loyal member of the American Legion Post #229, and the AFL-CIO United Postal Workers’ Union. Samuel had an affinity for nature and enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and puttering around the yard. He was also a very spiritual man, and was heartened and strengthened in his praying of the rosary. He was a devout Catholic, an exemplary family man, and a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Mr. Russo is survived by his wife, Eleanor; two sons and daughters-in-law, Samuel and Janice Russo, Jr. of Utica, and Steven and Christine Russo of Deerfield; his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas and Joshua Russo of Deerfield; sisters, Marion LaPolla, of Utica, Madeline Ciriaco of Utica, and Lena Palumbo of New York Mills. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He also leaves his in-laws, Lavinia Lee Russo, Marie A. Russo, and Elizabeth and Angelo Scarafile, all of New Hartford, Linda Russo of Utica, and Carmen Jr. and Congetta Russo of Utica. In addition, he leaves his dear friends Joseph and Cynthia Nicotera, Jennie and Al Pimpinella, Edward and Roselle Przelomiec, Michael and Carol McGuirl, Frances Furtek, and all his friends at the South Utica Price Chopper. He was predeceased by his brothers, Nicholas D. Russo, a Captain of the Utica Police Dept., and Dominick Russo, Jr.; his sister, Angeline Testa; and a brother-in-law, Salvatore Russo. The entire family extends its most sincere appreciation to Father Anthony LaFache, who administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and the administration and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with special mention of the Intensive Care Unit. A genuine thank you is extended to Dr. Davidson and Dr. Sullivan for the dignified care they offered. In keeping with Samuel’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of services. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Samuel’s honor to The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place with military honors in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Samuel L. Russo, Sr.

December 14, 1924 - August 8, 2006