Mr. Carmen A. Russo Jr.

Carmen A. Russo, Jr., age 84, went home to the Lord after a brief, yet valiant, battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer. The world has lost a dear, kind, loving man who was truly one in a million. His passing occurred on Friday, August 28, 2015 with those who loved him most by his side in the comfort of the Abraham House. Carmen was born on December 10, 1930, in Utica, the son of the late Carmen and Vivian (DeRosa) Russo. He was educated in local schools and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School in 1950. Carmen served in the army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War, earning a Battle Star, as well as the Syngman Rhee Citation. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Congetta “Connie” Coria, on May 22, 1954, a 61-year union marked by genuine love, respect, and friendship. They were the very definition of soul mates. Carmen was a gifted auto mechanic and worked most of his career in the family business, C. Russo and Sons, alongside his father and brother from the time he was a young boy. The last several years of his working career, Carmen was employed by Utica Corporation as a blade polisher, retiring in 1994. Carmen also taught small engine repair at MVCC. He continued to repair cars and small engines for family and friends throughout his retirement up to the time of his illness. Carmen was an adventurous sportsman, enjoying a lifetime of small game hunting, fishing, and walks in the woods foraging for edible, wild mushrooms. He shared his love of these sports with his children and grandchildren, and taught them to appreciate nature. Carmen also golfed with friends and family, always marveling at his golf ball’s ability to locate and dunk into any body of water after a hopeful swing. He enjoyed card games of Pitch with his family for decades, was a Boilermaker volunteer at Mile 9, and a devoted NY Yankees fan. He freely gave his time, energy, support, and numerous talents to anyone in need, running at the drop of a hat, and he was the consummate gentleman. His personality was larger than life, the finest example of a man, with kindness, generosity, humor, and forgiveness. Carmen managed to add fun to everything in which he participated, always focused on the pure pleasure of time spent with others. He could easily laugh at himself and relished the good-natured teasing he received, especially from his children. Carmen was a remarkable man in every way and his family is quite certain that heaven has a new “Mr. Mayor.” He leaves the grieving hearts of his beloved wife, Congetta; sons and daughter-in-law, David Russo of CA, and Frank and Sue Russo; daughter, Marybeth Russo, all of Clinton; grandchildren, Ann Marie Russo, Susan Russo and her husband Chris Garcia; Alex Russo, and Audrey Russo; and four great-grandchildren, Isabella, Adam, Jonah, and Maia Garcia. He is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Marie Russo, Elizabeth and Angelo Scarafile, and Linda Russo and Frank Fuccillo. He also leaves his brother-in-law, Al Joseph; former daughter-in-law, Roseann Watson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Carmen also leaves many close and cherished friends, especially Phil and Geri Restifo, “Greek” and Lucy Kousouros, Tony and Marie Cucinotta, as well as countless other dear friends, previous co-workers, and wonderful neighbors. Carmen was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Sam Russo; brother and sister-in-law, Salvatore and Mary Russo; his in-laws, Frank and Antoinette Coria; sister-in-law, Josephine Joseph; and niece, Laurie Riffle. Carmen and his family are very grateful for the exceptional medical care and compassion of Dr. Yannick Grenier, Dr. Manzurul Sikder, Dr. Thomas John, and all of their staffs; as well as the medical team at Faxton Regional Cancer Center. The family is so appreciative of the outstanding care and compassion provided by Hospice and the Abraham House. From his bed, Carmen described the caregivers at Abraham House as “angels” and often stated, “God is here.” Additional thanks for all the daily support and assistance during Carmen’s illness, especially acknowledging his sister, Linda and Frank; nephew and his wife, Mark and Kristen Joseph; great-nieces, Gianna, and Rachael Joseph; friends, Phil and Geri Restifo; cousins, Bart, Ben and Joan; and countless special people who found time to offer a ride, a meal, or run an errand on behalf of Carmen and his family. Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider a donation to the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Carmen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 7:00 at the funeral home offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Carmen A. Russo Jr.

December 10, 1930 - August 28, 2015