Sam J Russo

Sam J. Russo died on Omaha, NE on 7/2/2012. He was born in Omaha on 4/17/1923 to Italian immigrant parents, Guiseppe and Palma Russo. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years Rose Ann (Ruvolo) Russo. He is survived by his three children, Palma Mitzel of Sun City, AZ; Samuel Russo (Carol) of Mesquite, NV; and Elena Webster (Douglas) of Omaha, NE. He had 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Sam graduated from Creighton Prep High School in Omaha in 1941. During the summer of 1939, Sam was a pitcher on the Omaha McDevitts Junior American Legion Baseball team that went on to win the National Championship. The team was inducted into the Creighton Prep Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He was inducted into the Durham Museum Omaha Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He met Rose at a dance at the Music Box and after just one trip around dance floor knew he had met the love of his life. He married Rose in 1942 and was inducted into the Army in January 1943. He served in WWII with the Headquarters Company of the 44th Infantry Division in France and Germany. After the war, he was employed by the Omaha Public Power District for 30 years and retired as a Storeroom Supervisor. Not liking the Omaha winters, he and his wife moved to Sun City, AZ in 1979. During his 34 years of retirement, Sam became an avid golfer and hit the links almost daily. He was a “die-hard” Nebraska football fan and it always an experience watching or attending a game with him. In Arizona he enjoyed growing basil and tomatoes year round. Sam perfected his Italian sausage recipe and had many requests for it, but would only make it for his family. He had a large music collection of many 40’s and 50’s artists and his favorite was Frank Sinatra. Following his interest in music, he was the Sun City Poms “music man” for 5 years. Membership included: 4th Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus; Sun City Elks, American Legion, St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church Men’s club, Sun City Hospitality Club, and Omaha Old- Timers Baseball Club. Sam was an Usher. Sam was a loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather and a great Italian-American. Sam will greatly be missed and forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held Wednesday July 11, 2012 at 5:00pm with Rosary to follow at 6:00pm, at Sunland Mortuary. Catholic Mass Thursday July 12, 2012 at 10:00am at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church with a Committal service immediately following at Sunland Cemetery at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Sam’s honor to Creighton Prep High School, 7400 Western Ave, Omaha, NE 68144-1878. For more information please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com