Donald Charles Russo

He was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 6, 1933. He grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island, NY where he attended school, graduating from Sewanhaka High School. He also attended Hofstra University. He went on to enlist in the USMC in 1953, serving his country during the Korean War. From there, he was stationed in Bethpage, NY with Northrop Grumman. This launched his long career within the space program.

He married our mother in July 1955 and welcomed three children into the world, all born in New York. Eventually, he transferred to California, making Chula Vista our home and continuing with his work in San Diego. He soon welcomed his fourth child, completing our family.

During the 60’s, He made our home on Merritt Island Florida where he soared into his career at Kennedy Space Center. He was given the opportunity to work at many companies including Grumman, RCA, Lockheed, United Space Alliance, and Pan Am.

He was well traveled within his career, taking him on month long journeys to Hawaii, Guam, Spain, France and London. He had also traveled within the states. One of his accomplishments was working on TACAN which provided precise navigation for the space shuttle landings. He eventually retired, continuing to reside in his home on Merritt Island.

His life was well lived as he enjoyed traveling, music, dancing, cooking, fishing and boating. In his younger years, he enjoyed the occasional nightlife and dancing during the timeframe that Cocoa Beach was full of entertainment destinations. The Mouse Trap was one of his favorites. In recent years, he was a member of the Merritt Island Moose Lodge. There, he continued his dance moves and flirted with the ladies. He also took interest in the Martin Anderson Center where he took up Spanish lessons. He maintained an independent life until God called him home. He was still driving, cooking and dancing until the end…just shy of his 90th birthday.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Russo and Marie Russo (Trieste), grandson Ricky and his wife, Peggy Russo.

He is survived by his Children, Margaret Klerner (Rick), Patti Huau (Joe), Rusty Russo, Bobby Russo (Tina), 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Kate.

The family will have a private service and celebration of life.

If you would like to honor our dad please consider donating to the SPCA as he was a big lover of dogs.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wyliebaxleymerrittisland.com for the Russo family.