Eva Manoff Russo

Eva was born to her parents Ruth and Arnold in New York City on October 3, 1941. She lived her entire childhood in the Van Cortland Park area of The Bronx. She later moved to Manhattan where she lived most of her adult life before retiring to Georgia.

Eva was married to Joseph Anthony Russo on February 6, 1965. Joseph passed away on September 17, 2000.

Eva attended the prestigious High School Of Music and Art, graduating in 1958. While she attended the school as a vocal major she was an especially talented guitarist. This was a passion she would carry with her all of her life. She had an affinity for folk music, often getting friends and family together in her apartment at 700 Columbus Avenue for sing-a-longs.

She graduated from Antioch College and later earned her Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in New York. She went on to a distinguished career in Social Work and Psychotherapy, working at The Child Welfare League of America, The Children’s Aid Society, The Lighthouse for the Blind, and Hillside Eastern Queens Hospital. Eva co-authored several research books for The Child Welfare League.

The daughter of two accomplished writers, Eva also wrote wonderful stories and essays about life, politics, and funny anecdotes. While at Antioch College, Eva won the O’Henry Prize for her short story Mama and the Spy.

Eva was extremely politically active. She held firm beliefs that were core to her being and shaped her perspective on the world. She would often call members of Congress to be sure her voice was heard. Throughout her life Eva was a champion for social justice, actively participating in marches for both civil and workers rights. She was passionate about registering communities to vote. Eva volunteered regularly for clothing and food drives for communities in need, both locally and worldwide.

An avid reader, Eva loved great stories. She loved children, animals, crafts, and music.

She is survived by her son Jerry, her daughter Lisina, her daughter-in-law Sue, her son-in-law John, her grandchildren Julia and Elias, her sister Dinah, her brother Tom, sisters-in-law Milagro and Maribeth, brother-in-law Arthur, nephews Desi and Oliver, her step-mother Lee, her dear cousins, Brenda, Michael, Gloria, Salme, Victor, Jerry, Chuck, Leslie and their children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Southern Poverty Law Center. https://www.splcenter.org/