Luigi Gino Russo

May 9, 1927 to September 2, 2017

El Cajon- Luigi “Gino” Russo peacefully passed away at the age of 90 surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 2, 2017. Gino was born on May 9, 1927 in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily to Francesco and Vincenza Russo. On November 22, 1952 he married the love of his life Vincenza Ingargiola. In 1961, at the age of 33, he had the opportunity of a lifetime to make a better life for his family. He came to the United States with his wife and his first 2 children, Frank and Enza, with help from his sister and brother-in-law, Nina and Leo Pellegrino. They helped him get a work visa sponsored by Florentine Marble Company. His family was complete with the addition of 2 more children, Mark and Tony, who were born in America. After working 6 years with Florentine, he made a bold choice to better the future of his family and started his own gardening and landscaping company.

Gino was an exceptional husband, father, nonno, and great nonno. Gino was the epitome of hard work and strong values. Of all the values that he kept, family was nearest to his heart. Throughout the years, he and his wife had a passion for traveling and shared this with their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many adventures, including traveling across the United States several times in one of his many motorhomes. His hobby of winemaking was a passion that he took great pride in. He proudly shared his homemade wine with his family, friends, and even some of his landscaping customers. He was always there for those he loved with a smile on his face and a funny story to share. He was a giving and nurturing man. He welcomed everyone with open arms and made them feel like part of his family.

Gino was preceded in death by his siblings, Anita Sciarrino, Nina Pellegrino, and Francesco Russo. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Vincenza, and his children Frank (Rina) Russo, Enza (Terry) Charles, Mark (Karen) Russo, and Tony (Theresa) Russo, his 11 grandchildren Gino (Kristina), Francesco (Krissy), Patrizia (Perry), Enza (Ronnie), Paul, Michael (Jessica), Regina (Kurtis), Michelle, Marco, Victoria, Anthony and 10 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Services were held on Friday, September 8 at our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy at 1668 State Street, San Diego, CA 92101 followed by the entombment at the Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation to the Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego for the Hurricane Harvey victims in memory of Luigi Russo. Please see the website at www.ccdsd.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.