Mary Tomasino Russo

She was born in Houston on the 12th of May 1920, to Lilly (Pizzitola) and Phillip Tomasino and remained here all her life.

Mary, affectionally known as “Grandmother”, loved to be surrounded by her family, enjoying a bowl of pasta and giving everyone her sage words of wisdom. She had a love of playing cards and spent many wonderful hours doing so with her family and dear friends. Mary attended Lanier High School and along with her late husband, the love of her life, “Monkey” Nick Joseph Russo, opened the first neighborhood grocery store “Sav U Food Market” in the Third Ward. She had a deep faith in Jesus, strong ties to her Italian heritage, and she belonged to many clubs/organizations including: Ladies of the Sacred Heart, Charity Guild of St. Joseph, and Alegria.

Mary is survived by her daughter’s Barbara Camarata, Frances Caliva and husband Sam, Nikki Russo, Jeanette Phillip and husband Phillip, son Dr. Nick Russo Jr. and wife Brenda; grandchildren Mary Gullo and husband Corky, Fran Justus and husband Craig, Martin Camarata, Anthony Camarata and wife Caroline, Jack Caliva II and partner Kim Gustavsson, Rosanette Bosco and husband John, Ronda Reina, Ronnie Reina, Tiffany Consoli and wife Stacey Schaeffer, D.J. Consoli and wife Stephanie, Nicholas Russo III and wife Anna, Jamie Sheringo and husband John, and Josh Russo; seventeen great-grandchildren and sisters Madelyn Russo and Jeanette Russo; sister-in-law Bessie Spedale and husband Sam and brother-in-law Sam Messina.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Harold Selzman for his dedication and loving care over the years, especially in these recent months. Also, they wish to thank all those with Harbor Hospice especially Jennifer Forlano, RN.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jack Caliva II, Martin Camarata, Ronnie Reina, Anthony Camarata, D.J. Consoli, and Nicholas Russo III. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Russo, Raymond Russo, Robert Russo, Anthony Russo, Sam Spedale, and Sam Messina.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from nine o’clock until eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 25th of July at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston.

The funeral service will be conducted following the visitation at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 25th of July, also at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Tiger Gym.

The family will gather at a later date for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed towards St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd., Houston, TX 77056; or to the charity of one’s choice.