Steve Russo

Steve Russo, of Des Plaines, IL, age 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was born on February 8, 1930, and lived a long, meaningful life defined by devotion to family, hard work, generosity, and kindness to all who knew him.

Steve immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1958 with determination, resilience, and hope for a better future. He shared a wonderful life with his beloved wife, Anna, to whom he was married for 58 years. Anna preceded Steve in death, and he carried her memory with him always.

A lifelong hard worker, Steve spent many years as a maintenance supervisor at Ridgewood High School, a role that perfectly reflected his skill, reliability, and problem solving nature. He also enjoyed tending to his garden, maintaining his lawn with great care, and helping others with projects.

Above all else, Steve’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who cherished time spent babysitting his grandchildren and creating memories filled with warmth and laughter. Steve was deeply present in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending their milestones, celebrations, and events whenever possible. He traveled across the country to ensure he never missed moments that mattered, always showing up with pride and love.

Steve was known for his generous spirit, not only in what he gave but in how freely he shared his time, care, and support. He had an extraordinary friendliness that made everyone feel welcome. His memory will live on through the love he shared, the values he instilled, and the family he so proudly built.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna. He is lovingly survived by their children, Antoinette (Richard) Simek, Joseph Russo (Elaine), and Lori (Christopher) Martin; his cherished grandchildren, Natalie (Brandon) Murphy, Mark Simek (Alex), Brittany (Alex) Wood, Ashley Russo, Robert Martin, and Nicoletta Martin; and his adored great grandchildren, Charlie Wood, Tessa Wood, Max Murphy, and Anna Murphy. Steve was one of five siblings, including the late Ninetta (the late Jimmy) Pietanza, the late Domenico Russo, Giovanna (the late Joe) DiDonna, and Pasqua (Giovanni) Ratti. He had many siblings-in-law, the late Ninuccia (the late Giulio) Serino, Cecchina (the late Vito) Calefato, Maria (Giuseppe) Susca, Stefano (Chiara) Pesce, the late Emilio (Maria) Pesce, Dina (the late Nicola) Deluso, and Domenico (Giovanna) Pesce. Steve was a proud godfather to Rosemary Chiovari, Dominick Deluso, and Loredana Scarcia, and leaves behind 21 nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held at Glueckert Funeral Home, located at 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, on January 22, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass will take place at St Emily Catholic Church, 1400 E Central Rd Suite 102, Mount Prospect, IL 60056, on January 23, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

A committal service will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, on January 23, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to charity that is near and dear to your heart.