Antonino Russo

Born in Floridia, Siracusa Italy he was the fifth of six children, born to the late Antonino Russo and the late Concetta (Pappalardo) Russo. Nino was predeceased by his five brothers Giuseppe Russo, Francesco Russo, Michelangelo Russo, Salvatore Russo and Sebastiano Russo. He was also predeceased by his sister in law Concetta (Pavano) Russo and brother in law Giuseppe Russo, as well as his nephew Salvatore Russo all of New Britain.

Nino began his apprenticeship as a barber in his home town of Floridia at the age of 13. He served in the Italian Army during WWII, serving in Northern Italy, Poland and Russia during the WWII years. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 shortly after marrying his wife of 56 years Mary (Pavano) Russo. They established their roots in New Britain where they have lived ever since. He first worked as a barber on Commercial Street in New Britain and then later became part owner of Bank Street Barber Shop where he worked until his retirement. Nino loved being a barber and enjoyed socializing with all of his customers. After his retirement he began to spend more of his time gardening. His fig tree was the prized possession of his garden and something he took great pride in.

He was a parishioner of St. Ann’s Church and a member of its’ Sacred Heart Society. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Mary, his son Anthony and loving daughter in law Debra of New Britain, his granddaughter who was his pride and joy Lauren Swank and her husband Ian Swank of Silver Spring, MD, a loving niece Ann Russo of New Britain and many nieces and nephews in Italy who he loved hearing from and staying in contact with.

The family would like to thank Janice, Robin and Victoria from Franciscan Ever There Care for their assistance with caring for Nino over the past 8 months and to Jennie for helping with scheduling. We are forever grateful for the kindness that you showed in your care. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Franciscan Ever There Care, 273 Finch Avenue Meriden, CT 06451.

Funeral services will begin Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 10:30am at New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain, followed by the funeral liturgy at 11:30am in St. Ann Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation hours will be Friday, June 15, 2012 from 4-7pm at the funeral home. For directions or to send an online message, please visit www.newbritainsagarino.com.