Obituary of Michael E Russo

Michael Russo, 84, of Dongan Hills, passed away on October 6, 2021 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters Joanne Williams and Theresa Russo; his grandchildren Christina Williams, Patrick Williams; great-grandchild Abigail Leming; and his brother Nicholas. Michael was born in Brooklyn to Josephine and Nicola Russo. He was the oldest of 5 children. He grew up in the East New York section of Brooklyn. After graduating from Brooklyn Tech High School, he began studying at Hunter College and soon joined the Army Reserves. In 1960 he met his future bride Margaret Russo through his sister MaryAnn and her friend Josephine who was Margaret’s sister. They married on September 1st 1962 and lived in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. That is where their daughter Joanne was born and their second daughter Theresa was born. In June of 1967 they left Brooklyn and moved to their new home in Dongan Hills, Staten Island where he lived for 54 years. Mike worked at Con Edison for over 42 years, retiring in 1999. While at Con Edison Mike was an Electrical Engineer/Designer. He continued his education at the College of Staten Island at night and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. He was a musician. He played the saxophone, which he loved, since he was a young boy. On the weekends he would play with his band for all sorts of events. He also enjoyed being a real estate agent for over 20 years, retiring in 2015. After that, Mike enjoyed working as an usher at The Metropolitan Opera House. That position afforded him the opportunity to see many wonderful performances with his wife. Mike even had the chance to perform Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall as part of a choir organized by AOL with performers from around the country. He also utilized his musical talents as a member of the St. Ann’s church choir. Other things Mike enjoyed were playing golf and traveling to many places all over the world. He like taking trips down to Fort Myers Beach and Atlantic City. Mostly, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren Christina and Patrick and his great-granddaughter Abby. Mike served as Treasurer and a Board Member of the Italian Club of Staten Island. He was really proud of being a member of the club. At the club Christmas party he would dress up as Santa Claus for the club members’ children. He was happy to entertain at other Club Events with his saxophone and band. He was a good man, friendly and provided well for his family. Everyone liked Mike! He was always happy to share, especially with his family, his self-proclaimed title of Mr. Wonderful! In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation Inc c/o Mike Anicito, 78 Mason St., Metuchen, NJ 08840 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Tuesday, 10/12, departing at 10 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann’s R.C. Church at 11 . Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday and Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.