Russo Sr., Thomas A., (1930-2011) 81, of Boca Raton, FL, passed peacefully on December 11, 2011. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, he moved to FL in 1987. Tom retired from the Passaic, NJ Police Dept. in 1987 as a Det. Sgt., and served on the PPD for 30 years. For more than half of his police career, he was Chief of the Juvenile Division, and received numerous commendations for his outstanding police work. Tom was a giving, loving person who would help anyone at any hour of the day or night, and will be missed every second of every minute of every day. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Russo, sons, Thomas A. Russo, Jr., Bret S. Ernst and Keith E. Ernst and daughters Michelle Matak and Ann Smith. He is also survived by grandchildren Trixzena Smith, Andie-Joelle Ernst, Olivia Barbara Matak , two great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters. He is predeceased by his son Scott James Ernst and granddaughter Chelsea Smith . A visitation will be 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011 at Babione Funeral Home, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 9:30 a.m.Tuesday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Deerfield Beach, FL. Arrangements entrusted to Babione Funeral Home. www.babionesouthflorida.com.
