Steven P. Russo

TOMS RIVER - Steven P. Russo, Esq., 71, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2019 at Complete Care at Bey Lea, Toms River after succumbing to complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

A native son of Toms River, he graduated from Toms River High School in 1965 and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Franklin and Marshall College. Realizing he preferred the intricacies of law over debits and credits, he went on to earn his Law Degree from Seton Hall Law School where he wrote for the Law Review and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1972. During that time, he also served 3 years in the Army Reserve attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

After establishing his civil law practice in Toms River, he served the community for over 38 years. Measured, approachable and compassionate he strove to maintain the dignity of all parties involved in a matter and was supported by his paralegal, and friend, Nancy L. Thomas. In addition, Steve served municipal judgeships in Lacey and Dover Townships and had the honor of appearing before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. As a life-long member of Christ Episcopal Church, he served on its Vestry for over 20 years.

Sports were an integral part of life for Steve. And when his children participated in any sport, he made a point to attend every event.

Predeceased by his parents, James S. Russo, CPA and Pauline (Schneider) Russo, he is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 49 years Patricia (Lavenau) Russo, their three children: Lynn M. Amato, husband Christian; Emily L. Siciliano, husband August; and Andrew S. Russo; grandson Sebastian B. Amato; brother Michael J. Russo, wife Catherine Cressy; and numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.